December 22, 2017
catholicnewsherald.com charlottediocese.org S E RV I N G C H R I ST A N D C O N N EC T I N G C AT H O L I C S I N W E ST E R N N O R T H C A R O L I N A
Diocesan high schools recognized for AP success 13
‘There is so much peace here’
Benedictine community moves to new location
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INDEX
Contact us.......................... 4 Events calendar................. 4 Our Faith............................. 2 Our Parishes................. 3-12 Schools......................... 13-15 Scripture readings............ 2 TV & Movies.................. 16-17 U.S. news...................... 18-19 Viewpoints.................. 22-23 World news.................. 20-21
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Lots of Christmas cheer St. Matthew Parish brings holiday joy to local refugee children 5 COUGAR CARITAS
Honoring Our Lady of Guadalupe
1,000-plus Charlotte Catholic High School students serve others in community project
Thousands of Catholics honored Our Lady of Guadalupe during special celebrations Dec. 11-12 across the Diocese of Charlotte
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Our faith 2
catholicnewsherald.com | December 22, 2017 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD
The Holy Innocents Feast day: Dec. 28
Pope Francis
Get to Mass early; don’t calculate how late you can be
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on’t be late for Mass believing the introductory rites do not matter, Pope Francis told visitors and pilgrims. The words and gestures that open the celebration help the faithful come together as one and prepare them to listen to the Word of God and celebrate the Eucharist worthily, he said Dec. 20 during his weekly general audience. “It is not a good habit to be looking at the clock” and calculating how much of the beginning of Mass would be OK to miss and still fulfill one’s obligation, he said. Get to Mass early – not late, he said, because it is during the introductory rites that “we begin to adore God as a community” and “to prepare the heart for this celebration with the community.” The pope continued his series of audience talks on the Mass, reflecting on the introductory rites. “Understanding these holy signs is necessary in order to fully experience the Mass and savor all of its beauty,” he said. The gestures that accompany the Mass “risk going unnoticed,” he said, but they “are very significant because they express from the start that the Mass is an encounter of love with Christ,” who offers His body on the cross, becoming victim and priest. After the entrance, the celebrant bows and kisses the altar as an expression of veneration because the altar is a symbol of Christ, the pope said. Everyone gathers around the altar, “not to look at each other. No. But to look at Christ,” who is at the center of the community – not far away. With the sign of the cross, the priest and assembly recognize the liturgy is carried out “in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.” It is a sign of the mystery of the Trinity, of Christ’s loving sacrifice and resurrection, and of each person’s baptism. Pope Francis again urged parents and grandparents to teach children from a very young age how to make the sign of the cross properly and what it means. He said so often it looks like kids are just gesturing “a picture of something” that is definitely not a cross. “Explain to them that they will have Jesus’ cross as protection,” he added. The celebrant will then greet the assembly, for example, with “The Lord be with you,” and the assembly’s response, “And with your spirit,” shows the community of God in dialogue. “We are entering into a ‘symphony,’” he said, “in which different tones of voices resound, including moments of silence, with an aim of creating an ‘accord’ among all participants, that is, to see each other as animated by the one Spirit and for the same purpose.”
The Holy Innocents are the children mentioned in the gospel of Matthew, chapter 2:16-18: “When Herod realized that he had been deceived by the magi, he became furious. He ordered the massacre of all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had ascertained from the magi. Then was fulfilled what had been said through Jeremiah the prophet: ‘A voice was heard in Ramah, sobbing and loud lamentation; Rachel weeping for her children, and she would not be consoled, since they were no more.’” The Greek Liturgy asserts that Herod killed 14,000 boys, the Syrians speak of 64,000, and many medieval authors speak of 144,000, according to Revelation 14:3. Modern writers reduce the number considerably, since Bethlehem was a rather small town. Some estimate the actual number around 15 to 20, 10 or 12, or even only Peter Paul Rubens, “Massacre of the Innocents,” 1611-12 six. This cruel deed of Herod while (Herod) thus persecutes Christ, he furnished an army (or is not mentioned by the Jewish historian Flavius Josephus, martyrs) clothed in white robes of the same age as the Lord…. although he relates quite a number of atrocities committed by O blessed infants! He only will doubt of your crown in this your the king during the last years of his reign. The number of these passion for Christ, who doubts that the baptism of Christ has a children was so small that this crime appeared insignificant benefit for infants. He who at His birth had Angels to proclaim amongst the other misdeeds of Herod. Macrobius relates that Him, the heavens to testify, and Magi to worship Him, could surely when Augustus heard that among the boys of 2 years and younger have prevented that these should not have died for Him, had He Herod’s own son also had been massacred, he said: “It is better to not known that they died not in that death, but rather lived in be Herod’s hog, than his son,” alluding to the Jewish law of not higher bliss. Far be the thought, that Christ who came to set men eating, and consequently not killing, swine. The Middle Ages gave free, did nothing to reward those who died in His behalf, when faith to this story, and French theologian and philosopher Peter Abelard inserted it in his hymn for the feast of Holy Innocents. But hanging on the cross He prayed for those who put Him to death. (Sermon 373, 3, quoted in the Catena Aurea). the “infant” mentioned by Macrobius is Antipater, the adult son The Latin Church instituted the feast of the Holy Innocents at a of Herod, who, by command of the dying king, was decapitated for date now unknown, not before the end of the fourth, and not later having conspired against the life of his father. than the end of the fifth century. It is impossible to determine the day or the year of the death of While the details are in dispute, the feast day remains an the Holy Innocents, since the chronology of the birth of Christ and important one for the Church. Through our honoring of their the subsequent Biblical events is uncertain. All we know is that sacrifice, and worship of God, we seek to atone for the many sins the infants were slaughtered within two years after the apparition against human life, beginning with abortion, and including other of the star to the wise men. forms of murder, and euthanasia, disregard for the safety and Some have disputed that they should be called martyrs since dignity of others, mistreatment and indifference to the plight of they did not submit freely for the sake of Christ but were “merely others, and all other sins against life. victims” of Herod. Nevertheless, the Church has long numbered — Catholic Encyclopedia, EWTN, Monsignor Charles Pope them in her ranks of martyrs. St. Augustine says of them: “And
Your daily Scripture readings DEC. 24-30
Sunday: 2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8-12, 14, 16, Romans 16:25-27, Luke 1:26-38; Monday (The Nativity of the Lord): Isaiah 52:7-10, Hebrews 1:1-6, John 1:1-18; Tuesday (St. Stephen): Acts 6:8-10, 7:54-59, Matthew 10:17-22; Wednesday (St. John): 1 John 1:1-4, John 20:1-8; Thursday (The Holy Innocents): 1 John 1:5-2:2, Matthew 2:13-18; Friday: 1 John 2:3-11, Luke 2:22-35; Saturday: 1 John 2:12-17, Luke 2:36-40
DEC. 31-JAN. 6
Sunday: Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14, Genesis 15:1-6, 21:1-3, Hebrews, 11:8, 11-12, 17-19, Luke 2:22-40; Monday (Mary, the Mother of God): Numbers 6:22-27, Galatians 4:4-7, Luke 2:16-21; Tuesday (Sts. Basil the Great and Gregory Nazianzen): 1 John 2:22-28, John 1:19-28; Wednesday (The Most Holy Name of Jesus): 1 John 2:29-3:6, John 1:29-34; Thursday (St. Elizabeth of Ann Seton): 1 John 3:7-10, John 1:35-42; Friday (St. John Neumann): 1 John 3:11-21, John 1:43-51; Saturday (St. André Bessette): 1 John 5:5-13, Mark 1:7-11, Luke 3:23-38
JAN. 7-13
Sunday (The Epiphany of the Lord): Isaiah 60:1-6, Ephesians 3:2-3, 5-6, Matthew 2:1-12; Monday (The Baptism of the Lord): Isaiah 55:1-11, 1 John 5:1-9, Mark 1:7-11; Tuesday: 1 Samuel 1:9-20, 1 Samuel 2:1, 4-8, Mark 1:21-28; Wednesday: 1 Samuel 3:1-10, 19-20, Mark 1:2939; Thursday: 1 Samuel 4:1-11, Mark 1:40-45; Friday: 1 Samuel 8:4-7, Mark 2:1-12; Saturday (St. Hilary): 1 Samuel 9:1-4, 17-19, 10:1, Mark 2:13-17
Our parishes
December 22, 2017 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI
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Parishioner’s gift benefits two Greensboro parishes SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER
GREENSBORO — St. Benedict Church and St. Pius X Church recently received some good news: both Greensboro area parishes will benefit from an estate gift by a former member. Helen Doyle Black, 98, passed away on July 27, 2016, at Pennybyrn’s Taylor Village in High Point. She left a total bequest of approximately $83,000 in her will that is going to both parishes. Originally from Worcester, Mass., Black grew up in Nashua, N.H., graduating from Middlebury College and teaching French before entering the U.S. Navy, becoming one of the country’s first Black female naval officers during World War II. She rose to the rank of lieutenant commander by the end of the war. After serving her country, Black earned an MBA from Radcliffe College School of Business (Harvard Business School) in Cambridge, Mass. She worked as a personnel director for a major Boston department store and then
moved to Greensboro to be near family, working as a personnel director for Meyers department store. After several years she went to work at Burlington Industries. She married her high school sweetheart, Dr. Daniel Black of Nashua, N.H., and the two lived many years in the Northeast before returning to the Greensboro area after retirement. Her husband passed away in 1986. Black was a parishioner of St. Pius X Church and a former parishioner of St. Benedict Church. Her gift is being split between the two parishes: approximately $68,000 will benefit St. Benedict Church and approximately $15,000 will benefit St. Pius X Church, with a portion of each into going into endowments for each parish and a portion going directly to each parish. “I was surprised when St. Benedict Parish received her donation. How generous she was,” said Father Duc Duong, pastor. “Her donation came to my parish at the right time when we began our restoration project in 2017 with a new look, and her generosity was appreciated.” The church will use the funds for maintenance, Father Duong said, as the building is more than 120 years old, although the sanctuary has been newly restored. The parish has erected a plaque at the church to honor Black as their benefactor, he added.
“Helen knew the most certain way to ensure the ministry she so appreciated would be enjoyed by future generations was to share part of her estate with our endowment,” said Monsignor Anthony Marcaccio, St. Pius X’s pastor, crediting her for her support of the Church as her “family of faith” – her “brothers and sisters” and “the parishioner yet to be born.” The endowments will be administered through the Diocese of Charlotte Foundation. Established in 1994, the foundation has grown to encompass more than 255 endowments and more than $48 million in total assets. An endowment is a permanent fund, the principal of which is never touched, but the income from which can be used in accordance with the wishes of the donor organization or individual. Endowments provide a way to generate income and help sustain the long-term strength and viability of the recipient parish or ministry. “More and more people across the diocese are remembering the Church in their estate plans –gifts from thousands of dollars to millions – and we are thankful for their generosity,” said Jim Kelley, diocesan director of development. For details about endowments or estate gifts, contact Ray-Eric Correia, diocesan director of planned giving, at 704-370-3364 or recorreia@charlottediocese.org.
‘Drop down dew, O heavens, from above...’ CHARLOTTE — Despite wintry weather, many Charlotte faithful traveled in the early morning hours Dec. 9 to attend St. Thomas Aquinas Church’s annual Rorate Mass in the Extraordinary Form. For this special liturgy held traditionally before sunrise, the church is lit with only candlelight to welcome the coming of the Light of the World and to honor Mary’s role in bringing forth the Savior. The name for the Mass comes from the opening words of the Introit (Entrance Antiphon), from Isaiah 45:8: “Rorate, caeli, desuper, et nubes pluant iustum,” or “Drop down dew, O heavens, from above, and let the clouds rain down righteousness.” The Solemn High Mass was offered by Father Matthew Kauth, rector of St. Joseph College Seminary in Charlotte, and assisted by Father Jason Christian, parochial vicar at St. Michael the Archangel Church in Gastonia and Father Matthew Bean, parochial vicar at St. Thomas Aquinas Church. Rorate Masses were also offered at St. Michael Church, at St. Ann Church in Charlotte, and St. Bernadette Church in Linville. PHOTOS BY JOHN COSMAS | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD
UPcoming events 4
catholicnewsherald.com | December 22, 2017 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD
Bishop Peter J. Jugis will participate in the following upcoming events: DEC. 25 – MIDNIGHT Holy Mass for the Nativity of the Lord St. Patrick Cathedral DEC. 31 – 11 A.M. Holy Mass for the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph St. Patrick Cathedral
JAN. 7-13, 2018 Bishops’ Annual Retreat JAN. 16 – 11 A.M. Presbyteral Council Meeting Pastoral Center, Charlotte JAN. 17-20 March for Life Washington, D.C.
JAN. 19 – 11:30 A.M. Mass for Life Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception Washington, D.C. JAN. 27 – 2 P.M. Sacrament of Confirmation St. Gabriel Church, Charlotte
JAN. 30 – 10 A.M. Holy Mass Christ the King High School, Huntersville FEB. 3 – 11 A.M. Holy Mass for World Day of Consecrated Life St. Patrick Cathedral, Charlotte
Diocesan calendar of events December 22, 2017
ESPAÑOL
Volume 27 • NUMBER 6
MINISTERIO DE PADRES Y MADRES ORANTES: 7 p.m. el tercer viernes de cada mes, en la Iglesia St. Thomas Aquinas, 1400 Suther Road, Charlotte. Todos los padres de familia están invitados a tener un re-encuentro con Jesús Sacramentado, en una Hora Santa. Todos unidos oraran por los hijos del mundo entero. En este Ministerio, el Rosario es nuestra arma y la Eucaristía es nuestra savia. Para más detalles, llamar a Gloria 704-807-5237.
1123 S. CHURCH ST. CHARLOTTE, N.C. 28203-4003 catholicnews@charlottediocese.org
704-370-3333 PUBLISHER: The Most Reverend Peter J. Jugis, Bishop of Charlotte
CLASES DE INGLÉS: 6-9 p.m. todos los martes y jueves en el Community Life Center, en la Iglesia de St. Mary, 205 W. Farris Ave., High Point. Para más información y para registrarse, llamar al 336-848-6970.
STAFF
NATURAL FAMILY PLANNING
EDITOR: Patricia L. Guilfoyle 704-370-3334, plguilfoyle@charlottediocese.org
NFP INTRODUCTION AND FULL COURSE: 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 6, St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., Charlotte. Topics include: effectiveness of modern NFP, health risks of popular contraceptives and what the Church teaches about responsible parenting. Sponsored by Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte. RSVP to Batrice Adcock, MSN, RN, at 704-3703230.
ADVERTISING MANAGER: Kevin Eagan 704-370-3332, keeagan@charlottediocese.org SENIOR REPORTER: SueAnn Howell 704-370-3354, sahowell@charlottediocese.org ONLINE REPORTER: Kimberly Bender 704-808-7341, kdbender@charlottediocese.org GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Tim Faragher 704-370-3331, tpfaragher@charlottediocese.org COMMUNICATIONS ASSISTANT/CIRCULATION: Erika Robinson, 704-370-3333, catholicnews@ charlottediocese.org
THE CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD is published by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte 26 times a year. NEWS: The Catholic News Herald welcomes your news and photos. Please e-mail information, attaching photos in JPG format with a recommended resolution of 150 dpi or higher, to catholicnews@charlottediocese.org. All submitted items become the property of the Catholic News Herald and are subject to reuse, in whole or in part, in print, electronic formats and archives. ADVERTISING: Reach 165,000 Catholics across western North Carolina! For advertising rates and information, contact Advertising Manager Kevin Eagan at 704-370-3332 or keeagan@charlottediocese.org. The Catholic News Herald reserves the right to reject or cancel advertising for any reason, and does not recommend or guarantee any product, service or benefit claimed by our advertisers. SUBSCRIPTIONS: $15 per year for all registered parishioners of the Diocese of Charlotte and $23 per year for all others. POSTMASTER: Periodicals class postage (USPC 007-393) paid at Charlotte, N.C. Send address corrections to the Catholic News Herald, 1123 S. Church St., Charlotte, N.C. 28203.
PRAYER SERVICES & GROUPS PRO-LIFE ROSARY: 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 6, at 901 North Main St. and Sunset Drive, High Point. Come pray for the end of abortion, and invite anyone else who would support this important cause. Anyone with difficulty standing for 15-20 minutes is welcome to bring a folding chair. Outdoors, rain or shine. For details, call Jim Hoyng at 336-882-9593 or Paul Klosterman at 336-848-6835. CHARLOTTE CATHOLIC WOMEN’S GROUP MORNING REFLECTION: 9 a.m. Monday, Jan. 8, in the Assembly Room at St. Vincent de Paul Church, 6828 Old Reid Road in Charlotte. Mass will be celebrated at 9 a.m. followed by the reflection at 10:30 a.m. by guest speaker Father Joshua Voitus. For details or to RSVP, visit www. charlottecatholicwomensgroup.org. ‘60 MINUTES WITH JESUS’: Saturday, Jan. 30-Wednesday, Jan. 24, at St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., Charlotte. Parish mission hosted by Father James Sichko, a full-time preacher, evangelist and motivational speaker based in the Diocese of Lexington, Ky. For details, call Michael Burck at 704-543-7677, ext. 1020. VIGIL OF THE TWO HEARTS: Join Catholics across Charlotte for Mass and overnight Eucharistic Adoration every first Friday-Saturday at St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte to pray for the strengthening and healing of marriages and families, the conversion of our nation, and to offer reparation for the sins of mankind through prayer and penance. The vigil will begin with Mass at 8 p.m. each first Friday, followed by Adoration and scheduled prayer, and conclude with 8 a.m. Mass each first Saturday. For details and to sign up for Adoration times, go to www.prolifecharlotte.org. ST. STEPHEN MARONITE CHURCH: Masses are offered
every Sunday at 12:30 p.m., at St. Matthew Church’s Waxhaw location, 4116 Waxhaw-Marvin Road, Waxhaw. St. Stephen Maronite Church of Charlotte is an Eastern-rite Catholic Church in full communion with the pope. HEALING MASS AND ANOINTING OF THE SICK: 2 p.m. every third Sunday of the month, St. Margaret of Scotland Church, 37 Murphy Dr., Maggie Valley. Individual prayers over people after Mass by Charismatic Prayer Group members. For details, call the church office at 828-926-0106. EVENING NOVENAS: Every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at Christ the King Church, 1505 East Kivett Dr., High Point. All are invited to pray the Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Join them in praying for the needs of your families and for our hurting world. For details, call the church office at 336-883-0244.
SUPPORT GROUPS & RETREATS CHRONIC PAIN SUPPORT GROUP: 1:30-2:30 p.m. Beginning on Wednesday, Jan. 10, in room 203 at St. Matthew Church, 8015 Ballantyne Commons Pkwy., Charlotte. For details, call Jennifer Watson, M.P.T. Arthritis Services at 704-348-2723, or Sandra Breakfield, CCDOC Elder Ministry Director at 704-370-3220. Sponsored by Arthritis Services in conjunction with Catholic Charities Diocese of Charlotte. RETROUVAILLE: A program for married couples that feel bored, disillusioned, frustrated, or angry in their marriage. Most don’t know how to change the situation or even talk with their spouse. This program has helped thousands of couples experiencing difficulties in their marriage. For confidential information or to apply for the next program beginning with a weekend Feb. 2, call 800470-2230 or 434-793-0242, e-mail retrouvaillenc@msn. com, or go online to www.retrouvaille.org. RACHEL’S VINEYARD RETREATS: Rachel’s Vineyard can help men and women who have experienced abortion begin their healing journey. It creates a healing environment of prayer and forgiveness. The retreat works to reconnect people to themselves, their friends and family after having an abortion. For details, email Jackie Childers jackie.childers1@gmail.com. ALZHEIMER’S CAREGIVER AND FAMILY SUPPORT GROUP: Meets the first Monday of the month, 6:30-8 p.m., in Family Center Room 203 at St. Mark Church, Huntersville. Organized with the Alzheimer’s Association, the monthly meetings are for the caregivers and family members of people with Alzheimer’s. For details, email Janet Urban at jgraceart@yahoo.com.Shining Stars Adult day respite: Meets on Mondays and Wednesdays at St. Gabriel Church, 3016 Providence Road, Charlotte. Shining Stars is a non-profit adult day respite program for members of the community with early to moderate Alzheimer’s disease. For details, call Suzanne Bach at 704-335-0253.
SAFE ENVIRONMENT TRAINING “Protecting God’s Children” workshops are intended to educate parish volunteers to recognize and prevent sexual abuse. For details, contact your parish office. To register and confirm workshop times, go to www.virtus. org. Upcoming workshops are HENDERSONVILLE: 9 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 13, Immaculate Conception Church, 208 Seventh Ave. West YOUNG ADULTS ASHEVILLE THEOLOGY ON TAP: For Catholics in their 20s and 30s in the Asheville region. For details, check them out on Facebook, Twitter or MeetUp. CHARLOTTE AREA: Groups for Catholics in their 20s and 30s, single or married, are active on MeetUp at www. meetup.com/charlottecatholicyoungadultministry, and at: OUR LADY OF CONSOLATION CHURCH: contact Denise Duliepre, 917-575-0871 ST. GABRIEL CHURCH: on Facebook at “St. Gabriel Young Adult Ministry” ST. JOHN NEUMANN CHURCH: call Meg VanGoethem, 815-545-2587. ST. MATTHEW CHURCH: on Facebook at “Young Adult Life: A St. Matthew Ministry” ST. PATRICK CATHEDRAL: on Facebook at “The Cathedral of St. Patrick - Young Adult Ministry” ST. PETER CHURCH: look them up on MeetUp at www. meetup.com/St-Peters-Catholic-Young-Adult-MinistryCharlotte-NC ST. THOMAS AQUINAS CHURCH: online at “Aquinas’ Finest,” www.stacharlotte.com/finest ST. MARK CHURCH IN HUNTERSVILLE: online at www. meetup.com/St-Mark-Catholic-Church-Youth-AdultMinistry/ HOLY SPIRIT CHURCH IN DENVER: call Nicole Lehman, 704-607-5207 ST. LEO THE GREAT CHURCH IN WINSTON-SALEM: online at “Winston Salem Frassati,” www.wsfrassati.com GREENSBORO WAY OF CHRIST: The young adult ministry at St. Pius X Church in Greensboro: at www.stpiusxnc.com/woc, on Facebook at “wayofchrist” and Twitter @wocgreensboro or email Dan McCool at wocgreensboro@gmail.com ST. MICHAEL CHURCH IN GASTONIA: For Catholics in their 20s and 30s in the Gastonia area. Meets once a month. Online at www.stmichaelsgastonia.org/young-adult
IS YOUR PARISH OR SCHOOL hosting a free event open to the public? Deadline for all submissions is 10 days prior to desired publication date. Submit in writing to catholicnews@charlottediocese.org.
December 22, 2017 | catholicnewsherald.com
OUR PARISHESI
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Lots of Christmas cheer at St. Matthew Church CHARLOTTE — St. Matthew Church recently hosted a Christmas party for 144 local refugee children, an annual tradition for the south Charlotte parish since 1998. The celebration, held in St. Matthew School’s cafeteria, featured Christmas caroling, pizza and cake in honor of Jesus’ birthday, face painting and games, and a special visit and gifts from St. Nicholas himself. Father Pat Hoare, pastor, was also on hand to talk with the children. Approximately 50 volunteers – led by Marilyn Borrelli, Mary Schumway and Christine Branch – organized the party, and the Knights of Columbus and Columbiettes provided the gifts. The popular outreach effort “is really the spirit of Christmas,” Borelli said. PHOTOS BY TARA HEILINGOETTER | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD
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catholicnewsherald.com | December 22, 2017 OUR PARISHES
Honoring Our Lady of Guadalupe
housands of Catholics honored Our Lady of Guadalupe during special celebrations Dec. 11-12 across the Diocese of Charlotte. In Charlotte, thousands of people gathered at Bojangles’ Coliseum Dec. 11 for Mass with Vincentian Father Vincent Finnerty, pastor of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Charlotte. The colorful event also featured traditional Aztec dances, Marian hymns and a procession in honor of the Blessed
Virgin Mary, ending after midnight with “Las Mañanitas,” a traditional serenade to Mary. Processions and Masses were also celebrated in Boonville, Charlotte, Forest City, Hendersonville, Jefferson, Monroe, Mooresville, Morganton and Winston-Salem, among other parishes. — Photos by SueAnn Howell, Jose Sanchez, Sergio Lopez, Lorenzo Pedro, John Cosmas, Giuliana Riley and Patrick Hession
CHARLOTTE — Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish in Charlotte celebrated its patronal feast day, the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, with a big bash at Bojangles’ Coliseum on Monday, Dec. 11, the eve of the feast day. The colorful celebration began with recitation of the Novena to Our Lady of Guadalupe. The event featured traditional Aztec dances, retelling of the story of Our Lady’s appearance to St. Juan Diego, Marian hymns by Our Lady of Guadalupe’s parish choir, a Latin American flag parade, a procession in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and at the end of the night, singing of “Las Mañanitas,” a traditional serenade to Mary. Vincentian Father Vincent Finnerty, pastor of Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, offered Mass. PHOTOS BY JOSE SANCHEZ | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD
PHOTOS BY JOHN COSMAS | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD
St. Therese Parish celebrated the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe Dec. 12 with Mass offered by Father Mark Lawlor, pastor; music and food.
PHOTOS BY LORENZO PEDRO | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD
MORGANTON — St. Charles Borromeo Parish’s celebration of the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe included a procession through downtown Morganton followed by Mass, music, fellowship and prayer.
December 22, 2017 | catholicnewsherald.com
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MONROE — Parishioners of Our Lady of Lourdes Church perform traditional dances on the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe Dec. 12. Father Benjamin Roberts and Deacon William Powers kneel in prayer at the conclusion of Mass.
SERGIO LOPEZ | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD
BOONVILLE — Members of Divine Redeemer Church reenact the story of the apparition of Mary to St. Juan Diego on the Hill of Tepeyac Dec. 9, 1531.
PHOTOS BY SUEANN HOWELL | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD
FOREST CITY — Las Mañanitas were celebrated at Immaculate Conception Church Dec. 10, ahead of the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, to allow more people to participate. The celebration began at 5 a.m. with recitation of the rosary and Holy Mass, followed by breakfast in the parish hall. It continued in the afternoon with procession carrying images of Our Lady of Guadalupe and reciting the rosary, followed by adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Children performed a skit narrating the apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary to St. Juan Diego, followed by Mass and live music. Festivities concluded with a meal and traditional dances in the parish hall.
WINSTON-SALEM — A scene from the celebration of Our Lady of Guadalupe at Our Lady of Mercy Parish. PHOTO PROVIDED BY FATHER CARL ZDANCEWICZ
GIULIANA RILEY | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD
HENDERSONVILLE — Immaculate Conception Church celebrated the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe Dec. 10 with a procession with Our Lady through streets in town, ending at church with a packed church for Mass and then off to the Agricultural Center with dinner and music.
PHOTO VIA FACEBOOK
PATRICK HESSION | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD
JEFFERSON — The Hispanic community of St. Francis of Assisi Parish brought its novena to Our Lady of Guadalupe to an exuberant conclusion on the eve of her feast. It began with a meal, followed by a rosary, procession and Mass. Music for the Mass was provided by a Mariachi band from Charlotte that continued to accompany Las Mañanitas (songs) into the wee hours of Dec. 12. In a show of unity, several Anglo Knights joined their Hispanic brother Knights in the festivities.
CHARLOTTE — Members of St. Gabriel Parish also celebrated the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, retelling the story of the appearance of the Blessed Virgin Mary to St. Juan Diego in 1531. The Dec. 11 celebration included a vigil Mass in Spanish, Guadalupan dancers, and a consecration of 100-plus men and women to the Blessed Virgin Mary. In addition, students at St. Gabriel School celebrated the feast day with Mass offered by Father Gabriel CarvajalSalazar, parochial vicar, who grew up in Mexico not far from the site of the apparitions.
JOSE SANCHEZ | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD
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catholicnewsherald.com | December 22, 2017 OUR PARISHES
A POSADA PILGRIMAGE
Family’s annual tradition encourages others to make ‘room at the inn’ KELLY J. HENSON CORRESPONDENT
GREENSBORO — Every year Catholic families around the Triad look forward to Francis and Patty Disney’s Posada celebration. Over 140 adults and kids create a joyful throng each December to prepare for Christmas together and reenact Mary and Joseph’s journey through Bethlehem to the stable. More than 30 years ago, Patty’s sister began a family tradition of acting out the Christmas story with all the children of the family. In 1995, the family moved their annual celebration to the Disney home in North Carolina, and a few years later, the Disney family began to invite friends to join them. Their daughters, Ana and Nadia, enlisted the help of their Challenge Girls Club to build a cheerful backdrop and create props. Now, the celebration has expanded to an event that encompasses multiple families and communities that transcend parish boundaries. “We know that today many families live distant from each other,” Disney says. “And we have come to love and enjoy these young families who share with us in offering of this tradition ... to pause, gather, and share in the reason for the season and the gift of the Christ Child.” The evening begins with Patty Disney’s warm smile welcoming the families in from the brisk winter air. A barbecue dinner follows, and everyone brings a dessert to share. Then, after a bustle of costuming, small shepherds, angels, kings and the Holy Family jump onto a long trailer edged with hay bales, and Francis Disney drives them to the large barn at the back of the property. The hay ride passes doorways strung with lights to represent the many doors closed to Francis and Patty Disney Mary and Joseph as they searched for room at an inn. When everyone arrives at the stable, it is filled with blinking star lights, fresh hay and a manger. Some years, the Disneys have even borrowed a live donkey to tie by the barn door. The families huddle inside and the costumed children circle the empty manger. This year, Thomas Markun, a student at Bishop McGuinness High School, served as the narrator. Brief, rhyming segments of narration alternate with wellknown Christmas carols to tell the story of Jesus’ birth. A somewhat reluctant Joseph and an attentive Blessed Virgin Mary kept careful watch over Baby Jesus this year, while throngs of enthusiastic angels joined in for every chorus. Several of the actors are the Disney’s grandchildren. Many years, Patty Disney also shares the Catholic meanings behind each of the 1”2 Days of Christmas.” While the atmosphere is celebratory and theatrical, she has a gift for teaching through play. When the evening wraps up with a bright rendition of “O Come All Ye Faithful,” it is clear that each participant feels a little more keenly that the time is approaching to adore the Incarnate Son of God in their hearts and homes. The event serves as more than an outdoors Christmas pageant. It is a sort of pilgrimage. The value of pilgrimage, a journey of the soul, is an integral part of the Disneys’ spirituality. They have traveled on many pilgrimages including one to the Holy Land, recent trips to Lourdes and Fatima, and a month walking the Camino in Spain. Patty Disney says these prayerful visits facilitate “a deep encounter with Christ. We have found our Catholic faith to become to enriched and alive through pilgrimage and Camino experience. It has made our lives together as a married couple more deeply united in these shared experiences.” This is why they embraced the Latin American Christmas tradition of a “Posada,” a walk in the footsteps of the Holy Family as they look for a place to stay. The Disneys also provide their fellow pilgrims with an immediate opportunity for opening their own hearts to welcome others. The event collects donations for Room at the Inn, a local maternity home that houses, educates and supports homeless single mothers before and after their
PHOTOS BY KELLY J. HENSON | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD
(Above) The children actors did a wonderful job watching over Baby Jesus at the annual Posada event organized by Francis and Patty Disney. (Left) The three Wise Men bring gifts to the Baby Jesus.
(Far left) Francis Disney doubles as Mary’s donkey at one of their family’s first Posada celebrations. PHOTO PROVIDED BY PATTY DISNEY
children are born. The Disney family invests deeply in these “life-giving programs,” after a tragedy of their own led them to reach out to others in need of healing. Patty explains, “Francis and I, after losing our daughter Amy, had a deeper understanding of the gift of each child. Francis, in his background with home construction and support in community, has been involved in the renovation of the Mary Nussbaum Maternity Home for Room at the Inn. We also helped to support and establish the Amy Elizabeth Disney Home that now is used to support the college program for Room at the Inn.” The Disneys see their contribution as only a part of the
larger work of supporting families and say they “feel a strong sense of supporting the family unit.” On the scenic route back to the house in the hay wagon, the kids shake jingle bells and the parents attempt to remember all the lyrics to “Jingle Bell Rock” and “Rudolph.” This evening spent with community in prayer and preparation has become an annual tradition for many of the Disneys’ friends. The Disneys have provided a joyfully reflective break in the midst of a busy season for young families, although they would be the first to assure you that “In the end, this story is not about us but about all those who respond to the invitation.”
December 22, 2017 | catholicnewsherald.com
OUR PARISHESI
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‘There is so much peace here’ Benedictine community resettles in Rutherfordton, has plans to grow SUEANN HOWELL SENIOR REPORTER
RUTHERFORDTON — The Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Peace have a new home. They are settling into their Queen of Peace Monastery, a home which sits on seven acres on a hilltop near some of North Carolina’s well-known sites like Mt. Mitchell and Grandfather Mountain. The Benedictine community was founded in 2003 by Sister Gertrude Gillette and the late Sister Teresa Scheuren. It includes Sister Scholastica Auguste, originally from the Caribbean island of St. Lucia, and a postulant, Jennifer Walker, who joined them in October. They are known for living out the monastic schedule of praying the Divine Office, attending Mass, practicing Lectio Divina and spending time in Eucharistic Adoration. Benedictines devote themselves to community prayer and private prayer (such as the rosary) and observing monastic silence, speaking only when necessary during the day. Informal conversation is reserved for recreation after dinner. “Our name shows our deep ties to both the Benedictine tradition and to Our Lady,” Sister Gertrude says. “Most visitors to Benedictine monasteries are immediately struck by the deep peace which embraces them when they arrive. And indeed, peace (‘pax’) has always been one of the trademarks of monasteries down the centuries.”
‘We are blessed to have this monastery.’
(Left) Benedictine Sister Scholastica Auguste, postulant Jennifer Walker and Sister Gertrude Gillette pray in their chapel in their convent in Rutherfordton.
Sister Gertrude Gillette
Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Peace Sister Gertrude notes that the past few centuries have seen an increasing number of apparitions of Our Lady where she has been concerned for peace, continually asking her children to pray for peace in the world. “This call for peace is very needed in our world today. So we dedicate our way of life to Our Lady and St. Benedict so that as patrons and promoters of peace, they might intercede to bring about peace in our hearts, our families and communities, our country and our world.” “There is so much peace here!” she adds, referring to the monastery’s remote location and beautiful vistas from its porches. Sister Gertrude says the monastery will have guest rooms available in the future for retreatants, as they continue to update their facility. Their property is fully fenced with five enclosures for animals, a chicken coop and a new barn. They hope to raise poultry and livestock. Right now, one of their greatest needs is for a heating system in their chapel, which can only be accessed via an exterior door on the lower level of the monastery. “We’re bundling up in coats, but it is getting
PHOTO PROVIDED BY SISTER GERTRUDE GILLETTE
colder now,” Sister Gertrude says. They hope a space heater helps a bit during the winter months until they can afford a proper heating system for the lower level of the monastery. In the meantime, they have just broken ground for a new chapel adjacent to the monastery. They are members of Immaculate Conception Church in Forest City. Father Herbert Burke, pastor, has welcomed them and parishioners have come out to help them with projects on the property. Many have also come out for the First Saturday Devotions at the monastery. “We are blessed to have this monastery. Blessed to be here in this community. The people at Immaculate Conception
Parish have been wonderful to us,” Sister Gertrude says.
For more information The Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Peace welcome visitors, retreatants and others who would like to join them for prayer. For details about the community and scheduled prayer times, or to make a taxdeductible donation to the Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Peace, go to www. qopbenedictines.com. Donations may also be mailed to: 687 Moss Road, Rutherfordton, NC 28139. Questions? Call Sister Gertrude Gillette at 704-827-2490.
Over 8,000 babies killed in Mecklenburg County alone last year!! Be a witness for the sanctity of human life and an act of reparation for an end to abortion.
Come and save our children today… join the 12th Annual March for Life Charlotte and pray.
Save the date! Friday, January 12 March for Life Schedule Mass for the Unborn 9:00am St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church 6828 Old Reid Road, Charlotte, NC 28210
Fr. Joshua Voitus
Guest Preacher Fr. Joshua Voitus - Pastor of St. Vincent de Paul Parish - Charlotte, NC SUEANN HOWELL | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD
All smiles for Christmas at Holy Angels The Sisters of Mercy and Holy Angels residents, families and staff celebrated their annual Christmas Mass at the Sisters of Mercy motherhouse Dec. 19 in Belmont. Residents of Holy Angels sang, performed in a bell choir, danced and offered a live nativity scene during the celebration. Father Frank O’Rourke, pastor of St. Gabriel Church in Charlotte, celebrated the Mass in the chapel. Holy Angels was founded in 1955 by the Sisters of Mercy. The private, nonprofit corporation located in Belmont provides residential services and innovative programs for children and adults with intellectual developmental disabilities with delicate medical conditions. To learn more about Holy Angels or to volunteer, call 704-825-4161 or go to www.holyangelsnc.org. At. www.catholicnewsherald.com: See more photos and video from Holy Angels’ annual Christmas celebration
11:00am Start to gather in overflow parking lot across from the Pastoral Center at 1123 S. Church St. to prepare for march 11:45am Instructions for march and prayer before march 12:00pm Begin march to Trade and Tryon Streets where Fr. Joshua Voitus will preach; then to the courthouse at 401 W. Trade St. to pray the Rosary and Chaplet of Divine Mercy
Go to www.marchforlifecharlotte.org for details on parking and signs
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catholicnewsherald.com | December 22, 2017 OUR PARISHES
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Father Norris appointed CHARLOTTE — Bishop Peter Jugis announces that Father Thomas P. Norris, OSFS, has been appointed pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in High Point effective Nov. 27.
In Brief Albemarle parish adds Pièta to columbarium
Mira Via earns national accreditation
ALBEMARLE — On Nov. 4, a long-awaited Pièta ascended by crane to its permanent resting place atop of the Our Lady of the Annunciation Parish’s columbarium in the Catholic section of Stanley Gardens of Memory Cemetery in Albemarle. The Pièta was handsculpted in Elberton, Ga., from star granite and bronze, taking 120 days to create. Engraved on the bottom of the sculpture is the Latin phrase “Ad Maiorem Dei Gloriam” (“For the Greater Glory of God”). Father Peter Fitzgibbons, pastor, announced the desire to beautify the burial area called Our Lady’s Garden with the Pièta over a year ago. Adam Storms, Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbia, heard the need and brought the calling to the Knights. Storms said, “After some conversation and all concerns were addressed. The Knights of Columbus decided to fully fund
CHARLOTTE — MiraVia Inc. recently earned national accreditation through the New Yorkbased Council on Accreditation. MiraVia, a Catholic non-profit maternity and after-care program serving the greater Charlotte region, has provided material and emotional support to more than 7,980 mothers and their children since the organization admitted its first mother in 1994. Its services include two unique programs to help pregnant women in need. The first is an innovative residential facility and program designed just for young women in college who are facing an unplanned pregnancy. The on-campus residence provides all the support and services pregnant college students need to achieve both their academic and parenting goals. Second is MiraVia’s Outreach Program that provides material assistance, peer support and educational programs for pregnant women struggling to make ends meet. Accreditation demonstrates the implementation of best practice standards in the field of human services. COA evaluated all aspects of MiraVia’s programs, services, management and administration and voted that the organization had successfully met the criteria for accreditation. “We are committed to compassionate, professional care that puts our faith into action,” said Debbie Capen, executive director of MiraVia. “The accreditation process ensures that every aspect of our organization has been studied, evaluated and measured against the best practices of top non-profits around the world; and we are proud to stand among them.
the Pièta and bring Our Holy Mother and Our Savior to our Catholic plot. The Knights believe in charity, unity, fraternity and patriotism. We attempt to live out these characteristics daily in all we do. I believe we have done that with this project.” “The Pièta is a beautiful Catholic statement expressing how Our Lady understands our grief,” said Father Fitzgibbons after blessing the statue. — Lisa Geraci, correspondent
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“MiraVia is unique in its approach to serving pregnant women who lack support. Our programs were developed as the result of getting to know our clients and listening to their needs. By eliminating many of the barriers to higher education and a better quality of life, we are empowering pregnant women to create bright, healthy futures for themselves and their children.” The independent COA accreditation process involves a detailed review of an organization’s administration, management, and service delivery functions against international standards of best practice. The standards driving accreditation ensure that services are well-coordinated, culturally competent, evidence-based, outcomes-oriented, and provided by a skilled and supported workforce.
Romero speaks on apologetics FOREST CITY — Noted speaker and apologist Jesse Romero spoke at Immaculate Conception Church Dec. 9. Romero is a full-time bilingual Catholic lay evangelist, writer and radio host who speaks on Catholic evangelization, apologetics, marriage and family, male spirituality, spiritual warfare, culture wars, teens and chastity. His motto is “Love God, save souls, slay error!” In his two talks, Romero emphasized the fact that the Catholic Church is the only true church instituted by Jesus Christ. The attentive audience showed appreciation for his dynamic presentation with frequent applause, and many people purchased Romero’s books which were available for sale after the presentations. — Giuliana Polinari Riley IN BRIEF, SEE PAGE 17
Upcoming Respect Life Events Love My Life Youth Rally, March for Life and Mass - Raleigh, NC Saturday, January 13, 2018 10 A.M. – Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral 715 Nazareth St, Raleigh, NC 27606 Rally at 10 A.M., Mass and March to follow dioceseofraleigh.org/lml Charlotte Mass for the Unborn Friday, January 12, 2018 9 A.M. – St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 6828 Old Reid Road, Charlotte, NC March for Life Charlotte Friday, January 12, 2018 1123 S. Church St., Charlotte, NC 11 A.M. – Assemble at Pastoral Center, 12 P.M. – March marchforlifecharlotte.org
North Carolina Mass for Life – Washington, D.C. Friday, January 19, 2018 Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, 400 Michigan Ave NE, Washington, D.C. 11:30 A.M. - Mass celebrated by Bishop Peter J. Jugis March for Life 2018 – Washington, D.C. Friday, January 19, 2018 12 P.M. - Rally at 12th St., and National Mall 1 P.M. – March for Life marchforlife.org
PHOTO PROVIDED BY MARKUS KUNCORO
Youth rally held in Charlotte CHARLOTTE — An Advent Youth Rally Dec. 8-9 included a Divine Liturgy at St. Ann Church offered by Father Lubomyr Zhybak from Youngstown, Ohio. The two-day youth rally, held at St. Ann Parish and Holy Trinity Middle School, was organized by Father Joseph Matlak, chaplain of Holy Trinity Middle School and administrator of St. Basil Ukrainian Catholic Mission in Charlotte. Several priests and deacons from the Ukrainian Catholic Eparchy of St. Josaphat in Parma, Ohio, were also in attendance at the Byzantine rite liturgy. St. Basil the Great Mission is an Eastern Christian mission in full communion with the pope. For more information, go to www.stbasil.weebly.com.
December 22, 2017 | catholicnewsherald.com
OUR PARISHESI
We hope you will join us this Christmas. St. John Neumann Catholic Church 8451 Idlewild Road – Charlotte, NC 28227 704-536-6520 www.4sjnc.org
Christmas Eve – December 24 4:00 PM Children’s Mass SJN Youth Choir will sing – early seating advised 6:00 PM Mass Congregation will sing along with the Choir 8:00 PM Spanish Mass (incense) SJN Spanish Choir and Band will offer beautiful music en Español 12:00 Midnight Mass (incense) Traditional Christmas Music with SJN Parish Choir
Christmas Morning – December 25 10:00 AM Mass
Feast of the Solemnity of Mary – January 1, 2018 11:00 AM Mass
Construction Manager PHOTO PROVIDED BY AMY BURGER
Commemorating the feast of St. Lucy HUNTERSVILLE — Parishioners at St. Mark Church in Huntersville celebrated the feast of St. Lucy Dec. 13 with Mass, followed by a blessing and reverencing of a first-class relic of the saint. The relic was on the altar beginning at 5 p.m. with the rosary prayed at 6 p.m. and Mass offered at 6:30 p.m. In his homily, Father John Putnam, pastor, said, “We ask in a very special way for her intercession that she might help us to see eternal things. That she might help us to see with the light of Christ. That we look at this world and recognize that there are things far greater than any of the earthly offerings that we are surrounded with – knowing that in the end, we are not made for this life but the life to come.” The Mass, procession, and reception was organized by the Knights of Columbus Ladies’ Auxiliary. The reception included a traditional dessert made from wheat (muffins) and chocolate milk. The young ladies in the procession were each dressed in the traditional white dress and red sash with a wreath upon their head. They processed with a candle and a bouquet of wheat.
The Diocese is currently accepting resumes for a “Construction Manager” position within the Diocesan Properties & Risk Management Office. This position will report directly to the Director of Diocesan Properties & Risk Management, and will be involved in planning for and managing the ongoing construction objectives of the Diocese. Requirements include: • Bachelor of Science degree or greater in associated field • Ten years minimum related experience • Computer skills and knowledge of relevant software including Word, Excel, Outlook, Microsoft Project, Adobe Acrobat Pro, & PowerPoint • Knowledge of project delivery methods: GMP and Lump sum competitive bidding, Negotiated GMP, and CM@R methods • Strong knowledge of construction mgmt. principles and practices (CCM designation a plus) • Strong knowledge of design, building codes, construction materials, means and methods • Strong knowledge of accounting principles, the reporting of financial data, and effective budget management
Estate Planning Elder Law | Probate WAITING COULD DEVASTATE YOUR FAMILY St. Matthew’s Parishioner
704.843.1446 | www.ncestateplanninginfo.com
6406 Carmel Road, Suite 301 | Charlotte, North Carolina 28226
• Strong written, verbal and inter-personal skills (Spanish literacy a plus) Please submit your professional resume and salary history by December 30, 2017 to: Diocesan Director of Properties & Risk Management Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlotte 1123 South Church Street Charlotte, NC 28203 Or email to ajmorlando@charlottediocese.org. The Diocese of Charlotte is an Equal Opportunity Employer
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catholicnewsherald.com | December 22, 2017 OUR PARISHES
JOSE SANCHEZ | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD
La Solemnidad de la Virgen de la Inmaculada Concepción CHARLOTTE — Parishioners at St. Gabriel Church celebrated the feast of the Immaculate Conception with Mass offered by Father Fidel Melo, vicar of Hispanic Ministry. The Hispanic Ministry had an emotional, Honduran-style celebration. After Mass, they prepared an altar to the Virgin of the Immaculate Conception where they sang and shared some delicious typical dishes.
Do you have a car sitting in a driveway catching leaves? Maybe it will not start or needs a major repair. Catholic Charities benefits from the donation of your vehicle. Donate your vehicle and receive a tax benefit! Call 1-855-930-GIVE today!
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PHOTO PROVIDED BY MARKUS KUNCORO/CHARLOTTE LATIN MASS COMMUNITY AND MIKE FITZGERALD
Latin Mass offered for feast of the Immaculate Conception CHARLOTTE — St. Ann Parish in Charlotte and the Charlotte Latin Mass Community celebrated the feast of the Immaculate Conception Dec. 8 with a Solemn High Mass in the Extraordinary Form. The Solemn High Mass featured Gregorian Chant from the St. Ann Schola and was offered by Father Joseph Matlak, chaplain of Holy Trinity Middle School and pastor of St. Basil the Great Mission of the Ukrainian (Eastern) Rite; Father Jason Barone, chaplain of Charlotte Catholic High School, as deacon; and St. Ann’s pastor, Father Timothy Reid as subdeacon. Immediately after Mass, the Blessed Sacrament was exposed in Eucharistic Adoration as St. Ann’s hosted its annual Vigil for Life to pray for an end to abortion. The feast day also saw a Solemn High Mass offered at St. Michael the Archangel Church in Gastonia and a low Latin Mass offered at St. Mark Church in Huntersville.
Elementary/Middle School Principal Our Lady of Grace Catholic School Our Lady of Grace (OLG) Catholic School is located in Greensboro, North Carolina. The Parish is seeking a loyal and participating Catholic for the position of School Principal beginning July 1, 2018. Our Lady of Grace has a student population of 230 students and a faculty of 25. OLG administers student programs for children from age 3 through 8th grade. We also serve a special community of children through differentiated learning with our PACE and Quest programs. Academic/Professional Requirements: Master’s degree in educational administration/supervision or a Master’s degree in education with a willingness to obtain administrative certification.
Donate Your Car Make your car go the extra mile.
Donate your car to Catholic Charities to help fund programs for those in need. All vehicle makes, models and years welcome. Truck, boat, RV and motorcycle donations accepted. 855.930.GIVE (4483) www.ccdoc.org/CARS Catholic Charities relies on your direct support to help fund its various ministries.
Experience in a Catholic school and special education programs is preferred. The candidate must be: strongly committed to educating our children in the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church in both word and example; enthusiastic about Catholic Schools and their mission; able to work collaboratively with parish administration, faculty, staff, parents and parish organizations; and able to articulate and implement a vision for the school in areas of curriculum, outreach and technology. Please send a resumé and cover letter to: Annette Bagnoli, School Administrative Assistant 201 S. Chapman Street, Greensboro, NC 27403 abagnoli@olgsch.org Applications accepted through January 15, 2018
Our schools
December 22, 2017 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI
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In Brief
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Diocese of Charlotte high schools recognized for AP achievement DAVID HAINS DIOCESAN DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATION
St. Leo students give holiday performance WINSTON-SALEM — Students at St. Leo School recently performed their annual Christmas Program and Band Performance. Students in K-4 are in the Christmas Program and students in 4-8 participate in the band program. — Melissa Kinsley
CHARLOTTE — The Diocese of Charlotte Catholic Schools have been named to the College Board’s 8th Annual Advanced Placement District Honor Roll. The Honor Roll recognizes school districts in the U.S. and Canada that have increased access to high school AP coursework while maintaining or increasing the percentage of students earning scores of 3 or higher on AP exams. Only six school districts in North Carolina were recognized for this academic achievement. Nationwide, 447 districts were recognized. This is the first time the diocesan schools received this distinction. Dr. Janice Ritter, diocesan superintendent of schools, describes the award as a gratifying confirmation of the efforts of the principals and educators at the diocese’s three high schools: Charlotte Catholic, Bishop McGuinness in Kernersville and Christ the King in Huntersville. “I also congratulate our students who have chosen strenuous course work and responded with higher test scores. Our Catholic schools have once again shown that faith and a strong academic tradition go hand in hand,” Ritter said. The achievement at the three high schools came as the rigorous course work of Advanced Placement classes was expanded to include students of all backgrounds. The AP curriculum is administered by The College Board and consists of standardized high school courses that are roughly equivalent to under-graduate college courses. After completing an AP class, students typically take the AP exam in that subject, which can earn them credits and accelerated placement in college. According to the Prep Scholar website, an AP class on a high school transcript signals strong academic training and can lead to more academic success at the college level. Nationwide, 2.4 million high school students take AP exams in 38 courses.
Bringing Christmas cheer GREENSBORO — Members of the Greensboro Catholic Home Educators group recently visited the Pennybyrn at Maryfield nursing home in High Point to sing Christmas carols and visit with the residents. — Jen Schultheis
Sacred Heart named Leopold Society School of the Year SALISBURY — Sacred Heart School has been chosen as the Leopold Society School of the Year. Pictured (middle) is Hillary Shores, middle school science teacher, who leads the way at the school with the Leopold Society and 4H Cultivators Program. The middle school joined the Leopold Society as a pilot school last spring. Since partnering with the LandTrust of Central North Carolina’s Leopold Society, students have been involved in building wood duck nesting boxes and donating IN BRIEF, SEE PAGE 15
BILL WASHINGTON | CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD
A visit from the big guy himself SALISBURY — Santa Claus took time out of his busy schedule to visit Sacred Heart School in Salisbury this month. Students in kindergarten through eighth grade spent time with him asking questions and telling him their Christmas wishes.
Student advisory board meets with superintendent PATRICIA L. GUILFOYLE EDITOR
CHARLOTTE — Members of the 2017-’18 Student Advisory Board for the Diocese of Charlotte Schools met for the first time this school year Dec. 13 with Dr. Janice Ritter, superintendent; Debbie Mixer, assistant superintendent; and other school administrators. Established by Ritter when she became superintendent in 2012, the board is comprised of students from the diocese’s three high schools: Bishop McGuinness in Kernersville, Charlotte Catholic, and Christ the King in Huntersville. Its aim is to connect diocesan schools leadership directly with students, particularly on school programs and issues important to young people. “Meeting with our young people provides me with insights and a perspective that I would not gain otherwise,” Ritter said. “I find these students to be thoughtful, reflective and articulate. I value the time I spend with this group and I am grateful for their willingness to give their time to serve in this capacity.” Members are: Matt Kelly, Isaac Kohl, Lexi Marty, Carter Shannon and Mary Walsh of Bishop McGuinness High School; Patrick Collins, Juliana Hancock, John Kelly, Mae Levin, Samantha Pean, Astrid Salinas, Kristopher Welch and Ramsey White of Charlotte Catholic High School; and Kaitlyn Kogler, Luke Langbo, AJ McMahon and James Metz of Christ the King High School. Although board members are high school students, they are asked to consider issues from the perspective of all students. Serving on the board also provides them with the opportunity to talk with their peers in other schools. Board members may serve for up to two years. At their Dec. 13 meeting, students were asked to reflect on the value of their Catholic education and articulate those points in a format that can be shared in the future. Joining the meeting were Kurt Telford, principal at Charlotte Catholic; Dr. Carl Semmler, principal at Christ the King; and Leslie Redmon, media center director, of Bishop McGuinness. In addition to engaging in discussions, the board is also charged with certain tasks. Over the years board members have developed a brochure for beginning teachers expressing the qualities of effective teachers, created a video tribute to teachers that was shared with teachers at a diocesan-wide professional development day, and met with visiting members of the accreditation team with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools-Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS-CASI), a division of AdvancEd. During this coming year the board has three projects it hopes to complete: create a document that articulates the qualities students appreciate in their teachers; develop a video, inclusive of all 19 schools, which clearly shows how we live our mission in Catholic schools; spearhead a joint service project for all schools in the diocese.
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catholicnewsherald.com | December 22, 2017 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD
PHOTOS PROVIDED BY CAROLYN TILLMAN
SECOND ANNUAL COUGAR CARITAS
1,000-plus Charlotte Catholic students serve others CAROLYN TILLMAN SPECIAL TO THE CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD
CHARLOTTE — Charlotte Catholic High School saw resounding success during its second annual Cougar Caritas, a charity initiative that places more than 1,000 of its students in the greater Charlotte community for two full days of service. For two days Dec. 1-2, students fanned out across Mecklenburg County to serve others. They prepared meals at homeless shelters across the city, brought Christmas cheer to nursing home residents, sorted and wrapped Christmas gifts for underprivileged children, provided refreshments to veterans and thanked them for their service, refurbished donated bicycles that will be given to children for Christmas, cleaned and organized food pantries, and performed many other charitable works. More than 75 different service projects were carried out over the two days. Caritas, a Latin word meaning charity and Christian love of humankind, was chosen last year as the theme for the days of service. Given the wide variety of projects occurring over two days, Charlotte Catholic’s Campus Minister Mary Jayne Dawson felt it was important to give the event a name that embodies all that will be done, and the spirit in which the students will serve. “It’s incredible to have more than 1,000 students, plus
faculty and staff members, join together to help so many in our community in so many different ways,” Dawson said. “We are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus in our world today, and this is Charlotte Catholic’s way of turning that calling into action.” “My hope is that Caritas inspires our students to take on these projects on a regular basis,” she continued. “We made an extra effort to teach our students more about who and why we are serving, so that they can feel more engaged and encouraged to become regular volunteers throughout our city.” The theme of the 2017-’18 school year at Charlotte Catholic is the acronym “LOVE”: Loving Others, Valuing Everyone. Each month of the school year has a different focus: acceptance, involvement, gratitude, charity, faith, compassion, social justice, responsibility and patience. Concentrating on one theme each month encourages school-wide conversations and actions to demonstrate each of these themes. This month, students are focusing on charity. “Cougar Caritas demonstrates our school’s ongoing commitment to the corporal works of mercy, and is one of our many efforts to serve the larger community,” said Jeremy Kuhn, English teacher and co-chair of the event. A large group of Charlotte Catholic students spent the day refurbishing donated bicycles for Trips For Kids Charlotte, a non-profit organization with several programs
that provide bikes to underserved youths. The students sorted bicycle parts and repaired bikes for the afterschool Earn-a-Bike program. “The session went great,” said Eric Supil of Trips For Kids. “They processed 31 bikes for parts and prepped 20 bikes for youths!” Members of the high school’s basketball team traveled to St. Matthew Church to help Lynn Polian’s first-graders with a Christmas project. They helped the children make gingerbread houses and other treats to send to the Greenway Park Elementary School families that the class adopted for Christmas. “The boys were great with the kids,” Polian said afterwards. “I received many messages that my class went home excited to share who our special visitors were. What an awesome opportunity for our elementary students and parents to see how great our CCHS student body is.” “Our students did a wonderful job with this project, and so many of our teachers and staff worked behind the scenes to make the days of service a success,” said Principal Kurt Telford. “I want to thank our teachers for being out in the community and here on campus, giving of themselves. Being a model in the areas of service and charity is the best teaching we do.” CAROLYN TILLMAN is the assistant director, Advancement Office, at Charlotte Catholic High School.
December 22, 2017 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI
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IN BRIEF FROM PAGE 13
(From left) Charlotte Catholic’s women’s tennis coach Jo Cabana, Logan Stuckey, Morgan McElhaney, Carly Barhorst, Lizzy Fiepke, Catie Nelson, Rose Kenny, Caroline Prendiville, Abigail Tyson and Domenica Moreno pose with their championship banner.
them to the LandTrust to be placed on their Point Road property in Davie County. Students will be able to see their service project in action when they visit the property next spring. Students have also participated in Earth Day celebrations, the Leopold Society Youth Day, and a conservation summer camp hosted by Sacred Heart Parish. The LandTrust developed the Leopold Society as a youth initiative to raise awareness of the natural resources that need protecting in this region. It is designed to enlighten youth participants from grades 6 to 12 on the natural world and conservation issues. Participants learn conservation techniques, outdoor skills, and hands-on natural resource stewardship and service. — Robin Fisher
PHOTO PROVIDED BY JO CABANA
Charlotte Catholic’s varsity football team celebrates Dec. 9 with its 2017 championship banner. PHOTO PROVIDED BY BETTY TELFORD
Charlotte Catholic captures 3 state titles CAROLYN TILLMAN SPECIAL TO THE CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD
CHARLOTTE — Charlotte Catholic High School concluded its fall sports season with one individual and two team state championships. Women’s tennis brought home both the North Carolina 3A team title and the 3A individual title in singles last month. The varsity football team won the 3A title by defeating Havelock High School in the championship final. The women’s tennis team members – Carly Barhorst, Lizzy Fiepke, Rose Kenny, Morgan McElhaney, Domenica Merino, Catie Nelson, Caroline Prendiville, Logan Stuckey and Abigail Tyson –capped off a successful season with their state championship win. They defeated East Chapel Hill High School in the final dual-team match, ending their season with a 22-3 record. Besides the team win, sophomore Rose Kenny won the singles title in the 3A Women’s Individual Tennis State Championships. She was named the Southern Carolina Conference Player of the Year, and veteran coach Jo Cabana is the Southern Carolina Conference Coach of the Year. “This season was really special, particularly for our seniors,” Cabana said. “They suffered defeats in the state semifinals during the last three years, and to get back to the finals and win meant a lot to these girls.” Fiepke was named Most Valuable Player, and McElhaney won the Sportsmanship Award. Kenny’s singles championship was not easily won, as she had to beat the 2016 runner-up and the 2016 champion to earn the title. “The key to their success was senior leadership and teamwork,” Cabana said. “We began the season with three straight losses, all close matches that we lost 4-5. We then won 22 straight matches, and five of those also were close ones that we won 5-4. I couldn’t be more proud of these girls. All of them are first-time state champions.” This is Charlotte Catholic’s first state championship in
tennis since 2012, and Cabana’s seventh championship overall. The Cougars previously won women’s tennis titles in 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 2001, 2004, 2007, 2009, 2010 and 2012. Charlotte Catholic’s varsity football team was undefeated in its first season in the Southern Carolina Conference, and advanced through the 3A state playoffs to the championship game, played at Wallace Wade Stadium in Durham Dec. 9. Milan Howard rushed for 160 yards, and Lamageá McDowell ran for 72 yards and two touchdowns as the Cougars won 28-14 on a snowy day. Paul Neel scored the Cougars’ first touchdown of the game on a pass from quarterback Christopher Walton, who also scored a touchdown on a one-yard keeper. The Cougar defense held Havelock to just 67 yards rushing and dominated the time of possession. “Ball possession was key in this game,” said Athletic Director Kevin Christmas. “We had possession of the ball 31 out of 48 minutes in the game.” “In order to win state championships, you have to play good defense,” noted head coach Mike Brodowicz. “All of our past state championship teams have held opposing teams to well under their scoring average. Havelock averaged 56 points per game, and we held them to 14.” “With great defense and great offensive ball control, we kept their offense off the field, which was key to winning this state championship,” Brodowicz said. Howard was named the game’s Most Valuable Player, while McDowell took team offensive MVP honors. Chase Foley, with five tackles and four assists, was named the team’s defensive MVP, and played in the Shrine Bowl Dec. 16. The Cougars finished the season with a perfect 16-0 record. The championship is their fifth state football title, and the second under Brodowicz. The Cougars also won in 1977, 2004, 2005 and 2015. CAROLYN TILLMAN is the assistant director, Advancement Office, at Charlotte Catholic High School.
BMHS girls soccer team awarded national academic honor for third year KERNERSVILLE — The Bishop McGuinness High School girls soccer team has again earned the United Soccer Coaches (formerly National Soccer Coaches Association of America) High School Team Academic Award for 2016-’17. The award is given annually to teams for exemplary performance in the classroom. This is the third consecutive year that the team has earned this national academic award. The Villains compiled a 3.79 grade-point average last year. To qualify for the award, a team must have a minimum grade-point average of 3.25 for the entire academic year. Thirteen of the 29 team members posted a GPA greater than 4.0 during the 2016-’17 academic year. This is the second United Soccer Coaches national award received by the Villains from the 2017 spring season. They were previously one of two North Carolina girls soccer teams to be awarded the association’s High School Ethics and Sportsmanship Gold Award for 2016-’17. The VillaIns were one of 216 spring girls soccer teams nationally honored with the team academic award, and one of only 10 honored from North Carolina. The team is coached by Ray Alley, a 38-year member of the United Soccer Coaches/NSCAA. The Villains were Northwest Conference Champions (10-0-0) and 19-3-0 overall last spring. — Kimberly Knox
CCHS student earns appointment to U.S. Merchant Marine Academy CHARLOTTE — N.C. Congressman Robert Pittenger announces that Carmen Adamson, a senior at Charlotte Catholic High School, has received a prestigious appointment to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. Adamson is a Cadet 2nd Lieutenant with the Civil Air Patrol, sings in the school’s Honor Women’s Choir, and coaches tennis for local children. Adamson is the daughter of Deana and Mark Adamson and lives in south Charlotte. “How talented is Carmen? The Merchant Marine Academy accepted her on the same day I submitted her nomination,” said Pittenger. “Carmen fully understands the obligations of military service, but has an incredible passion for serving others and serving her country.” Graduates of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy receive an officer’s commission in the U.S. Armed Forces, a U.S. Coast Guard license, and a highly-regarded Bachelor of Science degree. Adamson is the first student from the Ninth Congressional District to receive a U.S. Service Academy appointment for the 2017-’18 academic year. — Jamie Bowers
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catholicnewsherald.com | December 22, 2017 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD
For the latest movie reviews: catholicnewsherald.com
On TV n Friday, Dec. 22, 4:30 p.m. (EWTN) “Michael the Visitor.” Narrated by Stockard Channing, this charming fable is an adaptation of Tolstoy’s classic tale about a lost young man with an amazing secret.
In theaters
n Saturday, Dec. 23, 4 p.m. (EWTN) “Time to Remember.” The story of a young boy who develops his gift of song, with the help of a beloved priest. PHOTO PROVIDED BY ST. GABRIEL CATHOLIC RADIO
Diocese of Charlotte seminarians Britt Taylor, center, Alfonso Gamez, right, and Diocese of Columbus seminarian P.J. Brandimarti are recording a weekly podcast that airs on St. Gabriel Catholic Radio.
‘Star Wars: The Last Jedi’ Engrossing sci-fi epic in which the leading general (Carrie Fisher) of an embattled group of rebels sends a messenger to the distant planet on which her brother (Mark Hamill), a famed warrior, is living in selfimposed exile to summon his help in the desperate struggle against their fascistic enemies. Though he refuses to join the conflict, the veteran fighter does agree to train the envoy in the ways of the Force, the mysterious spiritual energy from which he derives his prowess. She will need its power when she eventually confronts her leader’s son, an originally good person who has gone over to the side of darkness, but whose ongoing moral struggle has the potential to sway the outcome of the intergalactic war. Though it gets off to a slow start, once it hits its stride writerdirector Rian Johnson’s eighth episode in the saga initiated by George Lucas in 1977 sweeps viewers along with stirring action and audience-pleasing plot twists. Teens able to take the “Jedi religion” as no more than the mythos of a fantasy world will benefit from lessons about the value of hope and the true nature of heroism. Frequent but bloodless combat violence, a scene of torture, a couple of mild oaths, a few crass terms. CNS: A-II (adults and adolescents); MPAA: PG-13
‘Ferdinand’ Good values help to redeem a somewhat padded plot in this animated adaptation of Munro Leaf and Robert Lawson’s 1936 children’s classic “The Story of Ferdinand.” Escaping the confines of the stable in which he and other bulls are prepared for their fateful confrontation with a matador, the peaceloving protagonist of the title (voice of John Cena), who prefers smelling flowers to locking horns, is adopted as a pet by an affectionate and growing girl (voices of Julia Saldanha and Lily Day). But a misunderstanding sets him back on the path to the bullring where his commitment to nonviolence will be put to the ultimate test. Scenes of peril, some mildly irreverent humor, a vague scatological reference, one slightly crass expression. CNS: A-I (general patronage); MPAA: PG
Seminarians evangelize on the radio KIMBERLY BENDER ONLINE REPORTER
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Two seminarians from the Diocese of Charlotte have taken to the radio waves this year to evangelize. As part of their third year in theology studies at the Pontifical College Josephinum, Britt Taylor and Alfonso Gamez are assigned to record a weekly podcast that airs on St. Gabriel Catholic Radio 820 AM on Tuesdays at noon and Sundays at 1 p.m. The 30-minute show is a conversation between Gamez, Taylor and a third seminarian from the Diocese of Columbus, designed to encourage vocations and shed light on aspects of the faith. “We talk about contemporary issues: the faith, how it influences us, the sacraments, morals,” said Gamez, who is a parishioner of Immaculate Conception Church in Hendersonville. “Each pre-recorded episode is led by one of us. The topic is chosen by that leader, and he kind of guides the discussion and provides the contents for that episode.” This is the first year in their studies where they’ve learned enough to actually “teach” the faith, said Taylor, who is a parishioner at St. Matthew Church in Charlotte. While some of their classmates are teaching RCIA classes, their assignment is this radio show. The seminarians say they have more flexibility in “teaching” on the radio show than their classmates doing in religious education classes. “We can take topics we’re passionate about and be able to communicate and really have a dialogue with one another,” Taylor said. “We can communicate in such a way that it’s approachable and other people can actually comprehend what we’re saying.” Without direct interaction with the audience, Gamez said, they have to prepare topics in a way that anticipates any confusion that the presentation could evoke. “We have to prepare for that and explain things at a basic level. That is allowing us to be effective teachers, instead of presuming a lot of knowledge,” Gamez said. Some show topics so far have been about aspects of the spiritual life, consumerism, the sacraments
of confession and anointing of the sick, as well as vocation discernment and how they found their way to the seminary, Taylor said. “Maybe there’s a young person listening to it who may be inspired to a vocation,” Taylor said. There are shows about more practical topics as well, Gamez said, including the spirituality of staying fit and the Christian notion of friendship as a virtue. “When we’re thinking of shows, we try to pick topics where the listener is not just going to listen to a 30-minute lecture, but something they can actually incorporate into their own spiritual life,” Taylor said. “We’re going to record one on Eucharistic Adoration. So when we look at our experience with Adoration, we have to think how we can convey that in such a way that someone’s inspired to spend some time in front of the Blessed Sacrament and pray to our Lord. “We have to look at different ways to inspire people to not only live out their faith, but also encourage them to increase it so that they’re growing spiritually through our ministry on the radio,” he said. While St. Gabriel Catholic Radio is based in the Diocese of Columbus, Ohio, on a clear day the radio station can be heard across the entire state. Each of the shows is archived for listening online as well. The shows will continue to air through the academic year and next summer. The seminarians estimate they will record 30 to 40 shows this year. “It’s an awesome experience,” Taylor said. Gamez said he hopes he can bring the skills he’s learned back to the Charlotte diocese and possibly work with the new Carolina Catholic Radio Network to air local evangelization radio programs after he has been ordained a priest. “It provides a unique opportunity to see how this tool is used for communications and evangelization,” he said.
Listen online At www.stgabrielradio.com: Catch all of “The Seminarians” podcasts listed under “archive” on St. Gabriel Catholic Radio’s website
Your help needed Help bring EWTN/Carolina Catholic Radio Network to the homes and highways of the Diocese of Charlotte. Year-end tax deductible donations are needed now to launch EWTN/ Carolina Catholic Radio Network to the Charlotte diocese in January. Your donation will help build and pay for the network and production studio, automation for local broadcasting and monthly leases.
Stations are available today in Charlotte/Gastonia/Concord, Hickory/Mooresville/Statesville, Greensboro/Winston-Salem/ High-Point and Asheville/Hendersonville/Black Mountain. For details on what you can do to make EWTN/Carolina Catholic Radio Network a reality, contact David Papandrea at 704-880-0260 or David.Papandrea@carolinacatholicradio. org. Go online to www.carolinacatholicradio.org.
n Monday, Dec. 25, 6 a.m. (EWTN) “Am Urbi Et Orbi: Message and Blessing: Christmas.” Live from St. Peter’s Square in Rome, Pope Francis gives the traditional message and blessing for the Christmas and Easter seasons, “Urbi et Orbi”(“to the city of Rome and to the world”). n Monday, Dec. 25, 10:30 a.m. (EWTN) “ My Catholic Family: St. Joseph.” The life and spiritual journey of a Catholic family in modern times as it reconnects every Catholic with the family relationship of the communion of the saints. n Monday, Dec. 25, 7 p.m. (EWTN) “Solemn Mass of Christmas Eve in Rome.” Solemnity of the Birth of Our Lord: Mass with the Holy Father from St. Peter’s Basilica. n Tuesday, Dec. 26, 4:30 p.m. (EWTN) “My Time with Jesus: Christmas Special.” Eva, Joseph, Christine and Enrique travel back in time to experience Gospel stories first-hand, recite traditional Catholic prayers, and learn the teachings and traditions of the faith. n Friday, Dec. 29, 6:30 p.m. (EWTN) “Star Shall Rise.” A classic retelling of the story of the three Wise Men featuring Raymond Burr and other well-known actors. n Friday, Dec. 29, 8 p.m. (EWTN) “Life of Christ: A Holy Land Pilgrimage.” The Gospels come to life in an epic journey through the towns, cities and sites of Christ’s historychanging ministry. n Monday, Jan. 1, 12 p.m. (EWTN) “Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God.” Pope Francis will celebrate Holy Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica on the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God and the 47th World Day of Peace.
December 22, 2017 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI
IN BRIEF
Grace Church is located at 2203 W. Market St. in Greensboro. Contact Laura.Lowder@gmail.com or ginny@ virginialieto.com for details. The N.C. Chapter of the Catholic Writers Guild is open to Catholic writers, editors, publishers and illustrators. You do not need to be published to join. — Annette Tenny, correspondent
Salem who work with Experiment in Self Reliance (ESR) in becoming independent and moving forward in their lives. Parishioners repeat the Outreach Program at Eastertime. — Pam McVicker
FROM PAGE 10
SPX Knights pancake breakfast a success
$10,000 donated to community organization
Helping Operation Santa’s Helpers
STATESVILLE — The Ladies Guild of St. Philip the Apostle Church recently presented on behalf of the parish $2,500 checks to each of the following: Jonathan Nicastro of Third Creek Elementary School, Michele Knapp of Fifth Street Ministries, Joy Morrison of Iredell Christian Ministries, and Kristine Wiles and Daryl McMillan of Yokefellow of Statesville. The donations were to be used to provide food for those in need.
CHARLOTTE — Ben Pingree, an eighth-grade student at Holy Trinity Middle School and a member of St John Neumann Church, helped deliver two of 68 bikes that parishioners recently donated to Operation Santa’s Helpers. Volunteers from several organizations at St John Neumann Church, including members of the Youth Group and Knights of Columbus, delivered the bikes and other presents, food and clothing to nearly 300 families in the Charlotte area Dec. 16. The annual Operation Santa’s Helpers event also drew participation from Charlotte Catholic High School students and its champion football team. The school’s effort was coordinated by Mary Jayne Dawson, head of Campus Ministry, with help from Athletic Director Kevin Christmas, football coach Mike Brodowicz and lacrosse coach Bo Turner.
— Connie Ries
Parish gifts program helps many HENDERSONVILLE — Immaculate Conception Church’s Christmas Gift giving program assisted almost 700 persons in the greater Henderson County area to have a merrier, brighter holiday season. Parishioners chose items for needy children, teens, young mothers and seniors by affixing tags they had selected earlier to their wrapped gifts which were then were transported to the altar at Masses Dec. 2-3. On the following Monday, all gifts were sorted according to the charitable agency that donors selected, then allocated to five local agencies for distribution to their clients. “Once again we have shown the spirit of compassion that energizes us,” said Capuchin Franciscan Father Martin Schratz, pastor. “I am truly proud of everyone.” Program coordinator Jo Ann Kelly agreed, “The turnout was marvelous and I continue to be amazed at the generosity shown and thank the many people who helped in the distribution process.”
— Al Tinson
GREENSBORO — St. Pius X Parish Knights of Columbus recently held a successful pancake breakfast in the new Simmons Parish Center, their first effort in the new facility. The Knights credit the large turnout of Knights to prepare, cook, serve and do the cleanup; and the “Knights Ladies” who prepared and offered a long table laden with cakes and cookies for sale to the many, many parishioners who supported their efforts and whose generosity is humbling. The parish Youth Ministry, under the direction of Phil Kosta, assisted the Knights throughout the morning and who will receive the net proceeds toward its annual summer work camp. The event was coordinated by Brother Ed Calouri. — John Russell
Writers Guild meets GREENSBORO — The N.C. Chapter of the Catholic Writers Guild holds bi-monthly meetings and pot-luck lunches at Our Lady of Grace Church in Greensboro. Each meeting covers writing and speaking opportunities for members, tips and trade talk, Catholic fellowship and a short presentation on some aspect of the writing life. The next meeting will be held at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 18, in Our Lady of Grace Church’s Parish Life Center (bottom level). Our Lady of
— Sid Baker
It’s easy being green. St. Leo parishioners share holiday spirit with needy families WINSTON-SALEM — St. Leo the Great Church hosted its annual Christmas Outreach Program Dec. 9-10, providing 56 families (more than 200 people) with Christmas dinner, gifts and groceries. The families came from churches as far north as St. Joseph of the Hills in Eden and as far south as Our Lady of the Highways in Thomasville, as well as families in Winston-
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Our nation 18
catholicnewsherald.com | December 22, 2017 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD
For the latest news 24/7: catholicnewsherald.com
In Brief Effort to repeal Johnson Amendment dropped from tax reform bill WASHINGTON, D.C. — A regulation that bars nonprofits and houses of worship from making political endorsements remains on the books after it was dropped from the Republican tax reform bill. A provision that would have repealed the Johnson Amendment, a 1954 law that bans churches and nonprofit organizations with taxexempt status from taking part in partisan political activity, had been inserted into the House version of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, but not the Senate version. It was omitted from the final bill that was to be voted on by both chambers before Christmas.
Mosaic tiles depicting the Immaculate Conception and various saints are seen in the Trinity Dome at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, D.C. The mosaic was dedicated Dec. 8.
Fundraising under way to aid California fire victims LOS ANGELES — Six major wind-fueled wildfires in Southern California have destroyed more than 1,000 structures and forced the evacuation of 200,000 residents. After he surveyed the damage in Ventura County, north of Los Angeles, where the worst of the fires has raged, California Gov. Jerry Brown told reporters that the fires “may be the new normal.” He declared a state of emergency for the area Dec. 6. U.S. President Donald Trump declared a state of emergency for California Dec. 8. As of Dec. 12, officials had reported only one fatality. The Archdiocese of Los Angeles has started a fund for victims of the wildfires that have raced through the archdiocese and were threatening to spread to locations in the nearby Orange and San Diego dioceses. “Friends, as the wildfires continue, the needs of our neighbors continue to increase,” said Archbishop Jose H. Gomez of Los Angeles on the archdiocesan webpage that hosts the fundraising campaign, https:// tinyurl.com/yaa4qlu2. “In this season of giving, let us open our heart to our brothers and sisters in need,” he added.
Knights give aid to churches still rebuilding, repairing after hurricanes NEW HAVEN, Conn. — The Knights of Columbus, based in New Haven, announced it is committing $1.4 million to repair or help rebuild churches destroyed or badly IN BRIEF, SEE PAGE 19
CNS | TYLER ORSBURN
‘Crowning jewel’ of national shrine – Trinity Dome Mosaic – dedicated CAROL ZIMMERMANN CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The overflowing congregation at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception hardly needed reminding to raise their “eyes to the heavens” during a dedication of the Trinity Dome Mosaic Dec. 8. Before Mass began, all eyes were already on the newly completed gold dome above the front central section of the Upper Church. When it was blessed during Mass, incense rose above the congregation and bright lights were turned on to give a better view of the newly finished dome that includes the words of the Nicene Creed encircling the base and a depiction of the Holy Trinity, Mary, the four Evangelists, angels and more than a dozen saints connected to the United States or the shrine. During the blessing and before and after Mass, phones and cameras were held aloft to capture the completed work more than two years in the making. But it would take more than a few pictures to capture the details in this majestic work of art described as the “crowning jewel” of the national shrine during introductory remarks by Monsignor Walter Rossi, rector. The dome mosaic is composed of more than 14 million pieces of Venetian glass covering more than 18,300 square feet of the dome’s surface. Its completion marks the final step in finishing the work of the Upper Church that began in 1955.
The dome was dedicated, fittingly, on the feast of the Immaculate Conception, reflecting the basilica’s namesake. The dedication Mass was celebrated by Washington Cardinal Donald W. Wuerl and Cardinal Kevin J. Farrell, prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Laity, the Family and Life, who was named by Pope Francis to be his special envoy at the dedication Mass. Other cardinals concelebrating the Mass included Cardinals Theodore E. McCarrick, retired archbishop of Washington and Justin Rigali, retired archbishop of Philadelphia, along with Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo of Galveston-Houston, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops. They were joined by more than two dozen bishops and 90 priests. Cardinal Wuerl pointed out in his homily that the mosaic tiles in the dome are symbolic of the living Body of Christ regularly filling the pews of the shrine and reflecting the Church’s diversity. He urged the congregation of families, women religious, students and people of all ages and ethnic backgrounds who filled the pews, the side chapels and stood in the back at the dedication Mass to always look to this “great majestic dome mindful of our prayer to Mary” and ask for her intercession. He said Mary is the model of “what our faith should be” because she believed that nothing was impossible with God. The cardinal said he remembered coming to the shrine when he was a student at The Catholic University of America in the 1960s
when the walls were simply brick except for the mosaic image of the Risen Christ at the front of the church. He also noted that the completion of the dome finishes a work that began nearly 100 years ago when the shrine’s cornerstone was placed in 1920. As construction began on the National Shrine, as it was then called, Catholics across the country were invited to contribute however they could. Some donated pieces of gold jewelry and even precious stones, the cardinal said, which were fashioned into what came to be known as the “first chalice of the National Shrine” and was used at the Dec. 8 mosaic dedication. When Pope Francis was at the shrine in 2015 to celebrate Mass and canonize St. Junipero Serra, he also blessed a piece of the mosaic: the words for the beginning and end of the Nicene Creed: “I believe in one God” and “Amen.” At the end of the dedication Mass, Monsignor Rossi thanked the artists and workers, some of whom were seated at the front of the church, for their work on the mosaic, which was done in Italy and shipped in 30,000 sections weighing 24 tons. He pointed out that no one was injured and no damages occurred in the installation. He also thanked the many donors who contributed to the dome work and gave to the shrine’s one-time national collection for the project on Mother’s Day. “This crowning jewel of Mary’s shrine is really your work, your gift to the Blessed Mother,” he said.
December 22, 2017 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI
IN BRIEF FROM PAGE 18
damaged by the hurricanes that hit Texas, Florida and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The Knights of Columbus also has earmarked a significant amount of money for upcoming church repair efforts in Puerto Rico. The Knights earlier donated $100,000 to the Archdiocese of San Juan and provided generators, food, water and other necessities to aid relief efforts. “Getting parish facilities up and running again does not just meet a practical need,” Carl Anderson, CEO of the Knights, said in a Dec. 14 statement. “The people in the affected areas see the revival of their churches as a spiritual joy and as an important signal of recovery for the larger communities that surround these churches.” Some days before the Knights’ announcement three churches in Texas and two synagogues in Florida sued the Federal Emergency Management Agency over being denied disaster-relief funds because current federal law prohibits houses of worship from receiving disaster relief for reconstruction from FEMA.
Oral arguments heard in suits on religious exemption to mandate PHILADELPHIA — The U.S. District Court in Philadelphia heard oral arguments Dec. 14 in a suit that aims to take away the exemption granted in October to the Little Sisters of the Poor and other religious employers allowing them to refuse to cover contraceptives for their employees on moral grounds. A similar hearing took place Dec. 12 in U.S. District Court in Oakland, California. The Trump administration Oct. 6 issued interim rules expanding the exemption to the contraceptive mandate for religious employers. Days after the rule was issued, Pennsylvania and California filed complaints against the federal government over the exemption. On Dec. 15, a federal judge in Pennsylvania, Judge Wendy Beetlestone, temporarily blocked the new exemption rule from going into effect. Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz of Louisville, Ky., said her decision “harms faith-based nonprofits and others who have fought for over half a decade to correct the serious injustice caused by the HHS mandate.”
Faith leaders: God-given sexual identity has inherent beauty, dignity WASHINGTON, D.C. — In an open letter Dec. 15, a group of 20 Catholic bishops and other religious leaders described as “deeply troubling” the movement today “to enforce the false idea – that a man can be or become a woman or vice versa.” “We acknowledge and affirm that all human beings are created by God and thereby have an inherent dignity,” said the letter. Titled “Created Male and Female,” it was signed by Catholic, Lutheran, Anglican, Greek Orthodox, Presbyterian, Southern Baptist, Muslim, Orthodox and other Christian leaders. In earlier joint statements, they said, they have upheld traditional marriage between one man and one woman. Now they were coming together “to join our voices on a more fundamental precept of our shared existence, namely, that human beings are male or female and that the sociocultural reality of gender cannot be separated from one’s sex as male or female.” The letter can be found at https:// tinyurl.com/ybyce3wu.
Trump calls for end to immigration programs WASHINGTON, D.C. — While many Catholics took to social media asking for the intercession of Our Lady of Guadalupe in the life of migrants who have come to the U.S. seeking a better life, President Donald Trump called, on Dec. 12,
her feast day, for an end to two immigration programs. “We’re going to end both of them ... we’re going to end them fast,” Trump said as he spoke of ending the diversity visa program, popularly known as the visa lottery, and also a program that grants visa preferences to relatives of U.S. citizens or residents. Two immigrant men who came legally into the U.S. through those programs have recently been accused of domestic terrorism.
Study: Number of Americans who view Christmas as religious keeps eroding WASHINGTON, D.C. — The percentage of Americans who see Christmas as a religious holiday continues to slide across nearly all demographic lines. In a telephone survey of 1,503 U.S. adults conducted Nov. 28-Dec. 4 for the Pew Research Center, 55 percent said they mark Christmas as a religious holiday. The figure in 2013, when Pew last asked this question, was 59 percent. “Nine in 10 U.S. adults say they celebrate the holiday, which is nearly identical to the share who said this in 2013,” said the survey, whose results were released Dec. 12. “About eight in 10 will gather with family and friends. And half say they plan to attend church on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day,” it said. Those numbers, Pew added, are roughly the same as those of 2013. “Most respondents in the new poll say they think religious aspects of Christmas are emphasized less in American society today than in the past. But relatively few Americans both perceive this trend and are bothered by it,” the survey said.
Anxiety / Depression Acid Reflux / Sleep Hormones / Fatigue Cholesterol / Acne
New York Archdiocese pays $40M to clergy abuse victims NEW YORK — The Archdiocese of New York has resolved claims from 189 victims of clergy sexual abuse in the amount of $40 million. The figure was contained in a report released Dec. 7 under the archdiocese’s Independent Reconciliation and Compensation Program. The program is part of the archdiocese’s continuing effort to renew its contrition to those who suffered sexual abuse as a minor by a priest or deacon and to bring a sense of healing to victim-survivors.
Cardinal Law, whose legacy was marred by abuse scandal, dies VATICAN CITY — Cardinal Bernard F. Law, one of the U.S.’s most powerful and respected bishops until his legacy was blemished by the devastating sexual abuse of minors by priests in his Archdiocese of Boston, died Dec. 20 in Rome, aged of 86. Before the abuse scandal forced his resignation in 2002, Cardinal Law had been a leading Church spokesman on issues ranging from civil rights to international justice, from abortion to poverty, from Catholic-Jewish relations Law and ecumenism to war and peace. Cardinal Sean P. O’Malley of Boston said, “As archbishop of Boston, Cardinal Law served at a time when the Church failed seriously in its responsibilities to provide pastoral care for her people, and with tragic outcomes failed to care for the children of our parish communities.” Cardinal O’Malley said Cardinal Law would be buried in Rome, where he had his last assignment. According to the Vatican, his funeral Mass was to be celebrated the afternoon of Dec. 21 in St. Peter’s Basilica with Cardinal Angelo Sodano, dean of the College of Cardinals, presiding. Pope Francis, as is customary for cardinals’ funerals, was to preside over the final rites at the end of Mass. — Catholic News Service
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES at ST. PETER CATHOLIC CHURCH The Jesuit Church in Charlotte’s Center City Accounting Clerk and Administrative Assistant - Full Time To assist the Finance and Operations Manager with dual control items, correspondence, financial data entry posting, and other items as requested. Qualifications: Associates degree in accounting or equivalent work experience or minimum of 2 years previous related experience. Proficiency in database management and Microsoft Office Suite. General working knowledge of church office environment. See full job description at: www.stpeterscatholic.org Send resume, cover letter and any questions to: tmorin@stpeterscatholic.org
Database and Compliance Coordinator - Part Time Responsible for processing and maintaining all required volunteer documentation in compliance with Diocesan policies, for reviewing the database, maintaining the accuracy and integrity of the data files, and for posting updated/new entries into the parish database. Qualifications: A minimum of high school diploma, Associates degree in administrative office technology or related area beneficial. Proficiency in database management. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite. General working knowledge of church office environment See full job description at: www.stpeterscatholic.org Send resume, cover letter and any questions to: tmorin@stpeterscatholic.org
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Our world 20
catholicnewsherald.com | December 22, 2017 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD
Pope: Build peace by welcoming migrants, refugees
Pope: God does not lead us into temptation, Satan does
CINDY WOODEN CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE
VATICAN CITY — Exploiting a fear of migrants and refugees for political gain increases the possibility of violence and discrimination and does nothing to build a culture of peace, Pope Francis said in his message for World Peace Day 2018. “Those who, for what may be political reasons, foment fear of migrants instead of building peace are sowing violence, racial discrimination and xenophobia, which are matters of great concern for all those concerned for the safety of every human being,” the pope said. The pope chose “Migrants and refugees: Men and women in search of peace” as the theme for the celebration Jan. 1, 2018. The message is delivered by Vatican nuncios to heads of state and government around the world. As work continues on the U.N. Global Compact on Refugees and the Global Compact on Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration, Pope Francis urged the international community not to surrender “to cynicism and to the globalization of indifference.” Countries at the U.N. General Assembly voted in September 2016 to develop the compacts; after meetings around the world, a draft of each compact is scheduled to be released in February and a final vote is scheduled for September 2018. In his message, which was signed Nov. 13, the feast of St. Frances Cabrini, patron of migrants, Pope Francis said thinking about peace naturally meant thinking about “those who most keenly suffer its absence.” International organizations estimate there are some 250 million international migrants around the globe and that about 22.5 million of them are refugees, who have fled war, violence or persecution. In their search for a place where they can live in peace, the pope said, many are “willing to risk their lives on a journey that is often long and perilous, to endure hardships and suffering, and to encounter fences and walls built to keep them far from their goal.” Pope Francis acknowledged the right and obligation of countries to protect their borders and wisely allocate their resources, including those dedicated to resettling migrants and refugees. But the pope also insisted that basic human decency requires sheltering those whose dignity is at risk. When people in need are welcomed and valued, “seeds of peace” begin to sprout, the pope said. “Our cities, often divided and polarized by conflicts regarding the presence of migrants and refugees, will thus turn into workshops of peace.”
Read more online At www.catholicnewsherald.com: Read Pope Francis’ complete statement “Migrants and refugees: Men and women in search of peace” At www.usccb.org/issues-and-action/ human-life-and-dignity/war-and-peace/ world-day-of-peace.cfm: Find resources on the Holy Father’s World Day of Peace statement, prayers for peace, and links to related topics, available in English and Spanish
CINDY WOODEN CATHOLIC NEWS SERVICE
CNS | PAUL HARING
Nativity scene, Christmas tree are visible signs of God’s compassion VATICAN CITY — A Nativity scene and Christmas tree, like those displayed in St. Peter’s Square, are visible reminders of God’s benevolence and closeness to all men and women, Pope Francis said. The traditional Christmas displays are “the signs of the heavenly Father’s compassion, of His participation and closeness to humanity who experience not being abandoned in dark times, but instead visited and accompanied in their difficulties,” the pope said. “Every year, the Christmas Nativity scene and tree speak to us through their symbolic language. They make more visible what is captured in the experience of the birth of the Son of God,” Pope Francis said Dec. 7 in a meeting with delegations from Poland and Italy, responsible respectively for the 2017 Vatican Christmas tree and Nativity scene. The centerpiece of the Vatican’s Christmas holiday decorations is a towering 92-foot spruce tree. Measuring nearly 33 feet in diameter, the tree was donated by the Archdiocese of Elk, Poland, and transported to the Vatican on a flatbed truck traveling over 1,240 miles across central Europe. Thanking the members of the Polish delegation, the pope said the tree’s soaring height “motivates us to reach out ‘toward the highest gifts’” and to rise above the clouds to experience “how beautiful and joyful it is to be immersed in the light of Christ.” The Nativity scene was donated by the Benedictine Abbey of Montevergine, located in southern Italy. Created in a traditional 18th-century Neapolitan style, it covers a surface of over 860 square feet and features 20 terracotta figures, some as tall as 6 feet. The representation of the night of Jesus’ birth, the pope said, is “inspired by the works of mercy” and is a reminder “that Jesus told us: ‘Do to others what you would have them do to you.’”
VATICAN CITY — The Italian and English translations of the “Our Father” can give believers the wrong impression that God can and does lead people into temptation, Pope Francis said. The Italian bishops’ television channel, TV2000, has been broadcasting a series of conversations between the pope and a Catholic prison chaplain looking at the Lord’s Prayer line by line. The episode broadcast Dec. 6 focused on the line, “Lead us not into temptation.” Father Marco Pozza told the pope that friends have asked him, “Can God really lead us into temptation?” “This is not a good translation,” the pope said. The standard versions of the prayer are translated from the Latin, which was translated from the New Testament in Greek. While he said nothing about ordering a new translation, Pope Francis noted how the French bishops had decided that beginning Dec. 3, the first Sunday of Advent, French Catholics would change the line to the equivalent of “do not let us enter into temptation.” French-speaking Catholics in Benin and Belgium began using the new translation at Pentecost last June. The common Spanish translation already is “no nos dejes caer en la tentacion” or “do not let us fall into temptation.” The Italian bishops’ conference in 2008 adopted a new translation of the Bible; for the Lord’s Prayer both in Matthew 6 and Luke 11, they chose “do not abandon us in temptation,” although they did not order the change in liturgical use. The New American Bible, revised edition, is the basis for the Lectionary used at English-language Masses in the United States; the petition from the Lord’s Prayer in Matthew and Luke is translated as: “do not subject us to the final test.” Pope Francis told Father Pozza, “I’m the one who falls. But it’s not (God) who pushes me into temptation to see how I fall. No, a father does not do this. A father helps us up immediately.” “The one who leads us into temptation is Satan,” the pope said. “That’s Satan’s job.” The Catechism of the Catholic Church, in its discussion of the Lord’s Prayer, says, “our sins result from our consenting to temptation; we therefore ask our Father not to ‘lead’ us into temptation. It is difficult to translate the Greek verb used by a single English word: the Greek means both ‘do not allow us to enter into temptation’ and ‘do not let us yield to temptation.’” Referring to James 1:13, the catechism says, “’God cannot be tempted by evil and He Himself tempts no one’; on the contrary, He wants to set us free from evil. We ask Him not to allow us to take the way that leads to sin.”
December 22, 2017 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI
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In Brief Vatican releases new instruction on authenticating relics VATICAN CITY — Only relics that have been certified as authentic can be exposed for veneration by the faithful, said a new Vatican instruction. Published Dec. 16 in Italian by the Congregation for Saints’ Causes, the instruction clarifies and details the canonical procedures to be followed by local bishops in an effort to verify the authenticity of relics and the mortal remains of saints and blesseds, as well as better guarantee a relic’s preservation, approve and track its movements, and promote its veneration. The instruction replaces the appendix, “Canonical Recognition of the Mortal Remains of the Servant of God,” included with “Sanctorum Mater,” the congregation’s “Instruction for Conducting Diocesan or Eparchal Inquiries in the Causes of Saints,” released in 2007.
Pope urges Catholic groups to work to defend human dignity VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis encouraged a wide variety Catholic organizations to work together to defend human dignity and promote the full integral development of all people. “I encourage you to work always in a spirit of communion and cooperation with other Catholic NGOs and with the representatives of the Holy See as an expression of the Church’s commitment to the building of a more just and fraternal world,” he said Dec. 13 in remarks to delegates taking part in the 2017 Forum
of “Catholic-inspired Non-Governmental Organizations” meeting in Rome. “I express my deep appreciation for your efforts to bring the light of the Gospel to the various peripheries of our world in order to defend human dignity, to promote the integral development of peoples and to meet the material and spiritual needs of so many members of our human family,” he said in remarks at the end of his general audience talk. The forum, held Dec. 11-13, looked at how Catholic-inspired organizations, including Catholic schools, can better protect and promote the human person in a rapidly changing world.
Vatican renews call for peace, negotiations on Jerusalem VATICAN CITY — Following days of violence and backlash after U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, the Vatican appealed for “wisdom and prudence” to prevail. The Holy See “reiterates its own conviction that only a negotiated solution between Israelis and Palestinians can bring a stable and lasting peace and guarantee the peaceful coexistence of two states within internationally recognized borders,” the Vatican said in a Dec. 10 statement. President Trump announced his decision Dec. 6 to move the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv, fulfilling a promise he made during his presidential campaign. The announcement sparked anti-U.S. protests throughout Asia and the Middle East, including a four-day protest in the Palestinian territories, Reuters reported. An Israeli security guard in Jerusalem, the report said, was in critical condition after he was stabbed by a Palestinian man at the city’s bus station. Pope Francis expressed his “sorrow for the clashes in recent days” and called for world leaders to renew their commitment for peace in the Holy Land, the Vatican said. — Catholic News Service
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catholicnewsherald.com | December 22, 2017 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD
Fred Gallagher
Something moves: A Christmas reflection S
omething moves inside the Jewish girl – moves and turns like a dream of ancestors looking out from their dustbound time to the apex of history. Because she said “yes” to an angel, the girl’s lineage and lineage itself issues forth from a Child. And, within her, He moves and turns on a lowly beast’s worn back like the pouring of a cup in a catacomb to a weary heart, like bread given of a winter’s night for all those grown hungry. Something moves and turns from stem and vine to Body and Blood, the Personal hymn of eternal time wherein this Child comes to meet us in our plight, moving and turning in the hay and the starlight. Something moves inside that girl, a memory of Jesse and David and Judean journeys to be illuminated by the beckoning stars of eastern skies. The Child moves in the deserts of the nomad, of Abraham and Moses, faithful and sad, holding freedom in their frontier hearts that move and turn in the night. We can see the breath of the girl whose eyes ever yearn for her Baby’s face. The road to Bethlehem moves and turns, and by night’s end, makes joyful and glad, as the Psalmist said, our humbled bones. I am constantly amazed at how it was all laid out from the start, from the deserts of the prophets to the very night we are celebrating. I’ve been reading lately about the Irish famine of the 1840s, called by the Irish the “Great Hunger.” It was in that famine that my great-great-grandfather John came to this country. The hunger of his body moved in his soul and he left his home for a harrowing journey that made my life of freedom possible. In my mind’s eye, I try to place myself at his farewell to his family in a fishing village in County Donegal. I try to imagine the crowded steerage over and the sickness that threatened everyone on the journey. In a way, in my imagination, I “remember” the meeting aboard ship of the girl, Mary, who would become his wife. I “remember” the birth of their son James, and the human string of victories and defeats and hardships and joys that proceeded from there and that made it all the way down to me and mine. And now we all “remember,” in the Person of our greatest ancestor ever, the night the world changed, the moment Divinity came to us as One of us. And we will remember in the clarion call of scripture and in the liturgical, miraculous movement of our worship, the mystical radiance that is the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, the years to follow: the Child’s acquiescence to His mother and His loving apprenticeship under the ardent and protective eyes of Joseph, His interchange with teachers in the Temple, the wedding at Cana and the start of His public life, the healing and the teaching, the agony and the scourging, the hanging and dying upon a cross and the rising again to His Father. But our starting point is that starlit night when shepherds took heed of their rambunctious lambs. We remember the birth of Jesus and we remember that we are made in His image: sons and daughters all. We have living in us our past not only from some seawall slip in a Donegal village, but also from a little cave stable in Bethlehem. His journey to us, perilous and magnificent, is perhaps the greatest celebration of family there can ever be. History moves and turns. John and Mary Gallagher wound up in the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1841, receiving their Eucharist there and baptizing their son James. And, in the last days of 2017, I am somehow a part of that. I can almost smell the incense and see the smoke moving and turning as it rises in the air above the altar. And so, too, am I a part – as we all are – of the moving and turning of Jesus from His Blessed Mother’s womb out into the brilliant starlight, a fine and blessed Child. And this Christmas all the hungry world crowds in to see Him, moving and turning our hearts, right there at His manger. FRED GALLAGHER is an author and editor-in-chief with Gastonia-based Good Will Publishers Inc.
A lesson learned at a red light Bobby Speers
T
he alarm didn’t go off, and my husband was late for work. The kids were battling over who knows what, but I was able to get them out the door in time for the school bus. Getting into the car headed for work, I realized I left my laptop on the kitchen counter. Turning off the car, jerking the keys out of the ignition, I stomped back. Grabbing my mobile office and charging back to the van, I fretted and hoped it wasn’t an indication on how the rest of my day would go. Backing out of the driveway, I yielded to the garbage truck picking up the trash along our street. Approaching the corner where the stop sign is in full view, I observed that traffic was unusually heavy. While waiting for what seemed like a convoy to pass by, I started to prioritize my workload mentally and within seconds, I was overwhelmed. Proceeding down the road, I was faced with yet another obstacle: a red light. While waiting, I decided to make two additional stops before going to the office. This would save me travel time later in the day and give me a few more minutes to catch up on paperwork later in the office. The traffic light turned green, but I had to wait, yielding to oncoming traffic before I could left. The traffic cleared and I made my move on a yellow light to avoid another red light. As I drove down the hill, all I could think about was how simple life would be if there weren’t red lights. The next traffic light was also red, but within a few seconds, I was able to hit the pedal. Getting into the left lane to turn at the next crossroad, I abruptly stopped because the light was red. Hearing a loud noise and moving my head toward the crunch of metal, an accident had just occurred in the lane I was going to turn into. This fender bender would cause even more delay. My day has been plagued by obstacles, I thought. My thoughts became verbal. “Lord, why today? There are so many things that I have to do. I’m even going to be late for my first appointment.” Yes, it was all about me, and selfishness ruled my world. I never considered the people involved in the accident. Glancing in their direction, from a distance they seemed fine. Both parties involved were talking
outside their dented vehicles. The light turned green and I was able to maneuver back into the right lane avoiding the police and tow trucks that were arriving. This detour will cost me 15 minutes, I fumed. As I grumbled, thinking only about my life and what I wanted, I could feel my stress level rising. Already frustrated, and my the day had just begun! Approaching my next turn, the signal changed to another red light. Instantly hitting the steering wheel, I began to whine. Then I saw birds in the distance. I watched 20 gray-feathered pigeons flying in a graceful pattern. Silently and inconspicuously, they soared in the dreary overcast sky. This scene wasn’t anything out of the ordinary, yet my eyes were attracted by their peaceful movement. I watched as with one swoop, their little bodies perched on the roof of a building. It was a magnificent stone structure, quite historic, with a majestic white steeple that pointed to God’s throne. Immediately, I heard the voice of God, telling me to look around at ordinary things and know that He is in control. No longer was I in a hurry, because I felt the presence of God sitting next to me in my car. His word in Psalms 46:11 stirred my heart: “Be still, and know that I am God! I am exalted among the nations, exalted on the earth.” I didn’t want the moment to ever end. My worries disappeared, and I was no longer in a mad dash. God’s heavenly embrace made me realize that I should spiritually prioritize my life. Yes, I had been in a spiritual void, living in a worldly whirlwind! All it took were some crazy birds to bring me back to my senses. So, how did the rest of my day go? It was a normal stressful day but a smile came to my face because I knew I was blessed beyond measure. Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, on your own intelligence do not rely; in all your ways be mindful of Him, and He will make straight your paths.” BOBBY SPEERS is a writer who lives in Hickory and serves as chairperson of St. Aloysius Church’s evangelization commission.
December 22, 2017 | catholicnewsherald.com CATHOLIC NEWS HERALDI
Dr. Kamila Valenta
Stand up to violent extremism by supporting immigration
T
he experience of the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, and subsequent rise of extremist violence in our country and around the world has pushed the issues of terrorism and homeland security to the forefront of political discourse. Increased fear of another terrorist attack has created a stronger opposition against immigration and a greater distrust in our society towards immigrants – especially from Middle Eastern countries. This is probably the reason why despite our Church leaders consistently advocating for immigration reform and urging people to welcome refugees from conflict areas, almost half of Catholics supported the president’s temporary ban on refugees from Muslim countries last February, and (according to Public Religion Research Institute’s recent polls) 41 percent of all white Catholics believe immigrants pose a serious threat to American society. Yet, it is our openness to immigration and our willingness to accept more refugees and integrate them into our society that can greatly help us mitigate the danger of violent extremism. U.S. government statistics consistently show that, on average, immigrants have a significantly lower crime rate than nativeborn Americans. According to the Global Terrorism database, the overwhelming majority of Islamic Jihad terrorists since 2001 were homegrown and radicalized in America, half were born in this country, a quarter were converts to Islam, and none were ever admitted as refugees. Furthermore, radical Islam accounts for only 26 percent of all terrorist attacks on U.S. soil over the past 16 years. The remaining 74 percent of terror acts with fatalities were committed by far-right extremists, many of whom claimed to have a connection to Christianity. Although the overall number of deaths resulting from Muslim extremism and right-wing extremism is almost the same, the frequency of attacks by non-Muslim groups are on the rise. As the Combating Terrorism Center at West Point reports, violent attacks in the U.S. inspired by rightwing extremists went from an average of 70 attacks per year in the 1990s to 300 since 2001, and are likely to reach an even higher number this year. A 2015 survey revealed that U..S law enforcement officers consider anti-government extremists a more severe threat than radicalized Muslims. This unfortunate reality strongly suggests that we need to fear far-right extremism just as much, if not more than, radical Islam. Right-wing extremists are individuals and groups who subscribe to white supremacy, racist and nationalist ideologies, and include organizations
‘Our country can be made safer by embracing immigration.’
such as the National Alliance, Aryan Nations and the KKK, which according to the FBI continue to present a threat of domestic terrorism. Many of these neoNazi and white supremacy groups claim a Christian identity, and their public support has been rising in recent years not only in the United States, but also in other Western democracies. Over the past five years, nationalistic political parties with a racist and anti-immigrant agenda have enjoyed considerable electoral victories in Germany, Austria, Hungary, France, and the Netherlands at the regional and sometimes even national levels. This unfortunate trend can only be countered by an increased effort to promote an ideology of acceptance and appreciation for cultural and ethnic variety, and to emphasize that multiculturalism and racial equality are an indispensable part of the Gospel. By standing up for immigration and acceptance of refugees, we have an opportunity to reinforce this message through our actions, and to break the dangerous ideological link between white supremacy and Christianity. Greater inflow of immigrants will inevitably increase ethnic diversity, reducing the appeal of right-wing extremism among an increasingly racially and ethnically diverse society. The multi-ethnic character of our communities and especially our churches could then be a powerful witness to the ideology of inclusion and tolerance. Support for immigration also helps to reduce the chance of radicalization of Muslim citizens. Most Muslim extremists come from neglected and marginalized communities, who were not successfully integrated as equal members of American society. When the government takes a stance against the immigration from Middle Eastern countries and pursues a policy of banning Muslim immigrants, it sends a clearly negative message to Muslims already living here. It exacerbates their feelings of insecurity and inferiority, making it more difficult for them to cultivate and strengthen their American identity, and more likely to turn towards an alternative ideology of jihadist extremism. By promoting a culture of acceptance and integration, we can instead help American Muslims to become successful, productive and integrated members of American society. An increased emphasis on promoting the culture of tolerance and welcome of all people regardless of their ethnic, racial or religious background can greatly reduce the threat of both Islamic and right-wing violent extremism. This season’s spirit of welcoming the stranger is the perfect time for reflection on our support for immigrants, while recognizing that our country can be made safer from violent extremism not by rejecting immigration, but embracing it. DR. KAMILA VALENTA is a member of St. Gabriel Church in Charlotte and a part-time professor at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, where she teaches courses on ethnic conflict.
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Father Francis Arockiasamy
Glorify God by imitating Jesus Expectation is one of the important aspects of our life. We expect many things, varying from person to person. The purpose of life is to glorify God and forever enjoy the benefits of knowing Him through Jesus Christ. Our most dearly-held expectation should be to fulfill our purpose. However, each of us must live within society where there is hatred, violence and discrimination – all of which tend to distract us from our purpose and interfere with our joy. We need good leaders to create a Godly society in which there is the peace that contributes to our meeting our expectations. Long years ago, the society of the Jews was beset with problems. The people suffered under the rule of the far away Roman emperor. They suffered, as well, under ungodly local leadership. Between Rome and the Pharisees, Sadducees, chief priests and elders, the people were burdened with taxes, laws and other requirements. They expected the Messiah to come and redeem them from slavery to freedom in this life. Jesus Christ was born as Messiah:
a spiritual savior, not a political one. He was critical of the leadership of the Jews, and offered the people healing and other blessings in their temporal lives, but Jesus taught the Kingdom of God for all eternity. He taught that it can begin here on earth and encouraged its establishment in this life. He is called the Prince of Peace; His is the peace that allows us to glorify God. Christmas is the season of remembering the coming of our Lord. However, in the celebration of the Christ Child, let us not lose sight of our expectation and our purpose. Jesus proclaimed the Kingdom. Let us bring it forth in this life, not just by electing Godly leaders, but also by healing, caring for, loving and protecting the sick, the needy, the helpless. We glorify God by imitating Jesus. May God bless you all during this season of Christmas and throughout the New Year. FATHER FRANCIS XAVIER AROCKIASAMY is administrator of Our Lady of the Mountains Church in Highlands.
Letter to the editor
Immigration policy should center on a nation’s best interests Almost 20 years ago Cardinal Giacomo Biffi said “nations have the right to be nations.” He further made clear that included the right of nations to control their own borders. Regardless of what some people may think, advocating for mass migration and open borders is not Catholic doctrine. The Holy Family were truly refugees. They didn’t (nor would they have if it were possible) march through Europe searching for the country that could give
them the most generous social safety net. Immigration policy is, or should be, about a nation’s best interests, ensuring a harmonious society and “domestic tranquility.” It’s not about promoting diversity or fulfilling dubious “refugee” quotas. Furthermore, given the results of such policies throughout Europe, especially Germany and Sweden, it seems clear that these policies are more inspired by a contempt for the native peoples of these countries than by any altruistic principles. BILL FEDERKIEL is a parishioner of St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Charlotte.
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catholicnewsherald.com | December 22, 2017 CATHOLIC NEWS HERALD
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